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Microchip & Identity

When found, microchipped pets can be returned to their owner as quickly as possible

Microchipping

Microchipping for dogs

As of 6th April 2016, it is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped and records kept up to date. Please visit either www.petlog.org.uk or www.pettrac.co.uk/pet-owners/update-pet-microchip depending on which microchip your animal has, if you need to amend the records.

A microchip is a pet identification method involving an integrated circuit placed under the skin of a dog, cat, horse, or other animal. The pet microchips are about the size of a large grain of rice.

The implantation of the chip is a quick and relatively painless procedure that should not hurt much more than a vaccination. In the case of dogs and cats this would be done just behind their shoulder blades by a qualified implanter using a special pre-packed sterile needle.

Microchipping for cats

We recommend getting your new cat microchipped so that should your cat go missing and be brought in to a veterinary practice, the police, a rescue centre they can be returned to you as soon as possible. It is very important you keep your contact details up to date with the microchip company so that you and your cat can be reunited quickly.

Identity tags

It is a sad fact that thousands of pets go missing every year and are not returned to their owner because they have no form of identification. As animals cannot speak for themselves, it is extremely important to know that they are properly identified so that if lost, when found, they can be returned to their relieved owner as quickly as possible. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. Your postcode is optional but we would strongly advise that you include it. Your telephone number is also optional (but advisable).

You can be fined up to £5,000 if your dog does not wear an identification tag.

Exceptions

  • Dogs used on official duties by the armed forces, HM Customs & Excise or the police
  • Dogs used for sporting purposes and packs of hounds
  • Dogs used for the capture or destruction of vermin
  • Dogs used for driving or tending cattle or sheep
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind
  • Dogs used for emergency rescue work