VET’S VIEW: Get your pet microchipped

A microchip is only slightly bigger than a grain of rice, taking just a few seconds to implant in your pet’s scruff.

Once your pet’s chipped, contact details and code are entered into a special database – so if your pet goes missing and is found by the dog warden, animal shelter or vet, they can be quickly scanned, identified and reunited with you ASAP.

Microchips last the lifetime of your pet and can’t be removed easily like collar tags – and, as long as contact details are kept up to date, you’ll be reunited with your pet even if it is found hundreds of miles away – even abroad.

“But, is it really that important to microchip my pet?”, I hear some people ask.

Well, for such a simple, safe, quick, and relatively inexpensive procedure, it can be the difference between seeing your pet again and losing them for good, should they stray, go missing, or – get stolen.

You may have noticed there has been a lot of talk about microchipping in the news recently, as the government has decided microchipping will become compulsory for all dogs in 2016.

My belief is that microchipping is essential and a major part of being a responsible pet owner.

By making sure pets are reunited quickly with owners, we can help reduce numbers of stray animals in council kennels, welfare centres, as well as making sure puppies can be traced back to their breeders.

For more info or make an appointment for your pet to be microchipped for just £10, call Grove Lodge Vets today on 01903 234866.