Pet Microchipping

At Orchard House Vets we highly recommend microchipping your pets, it is the best and easiest way for you to be reunited if your furry friend goes for a wander.

In 2016 it became a legal requirement for you to get your dog microchipped after 8 weeks old, this means a puppy should be microchipped when it arrives home with you.

And as of the 10th June 2024 it is a legal requirement for cat owners to have their cat microchipped before the age of 20 weeks.

Microchips are £29.50 and we offer discounts for registered clients who have litters of puppies.

What is a pet microchip?

A pet microchip is a tiny chip that contains a unique ID number, and due to the materials that it is made from, it can be implanted beneath your pet's skin without causing any health issues.

Your pet's microchip details can be read using a scanner, allowing access to the registered information of the pet and its owner, helping to ensure you and your pet are reunited if separated.

What are the benefits of having pets microchipped?

While having your pets microchipped and registered is a legal requirement, there are also a number of benefits to the process.

Permanent Method Identification

Unlike the tags of your pets collars, which go missing or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification. This is particularly valuable if it is stolen, as your pet's microchip number is a reliable way for you to prove your ownership.

Increased Chance Having Your Pet Recovered

Pets that are microchipped are much more likely to be reunited with their owners. If a lost pet is brought into our practice our team will scan them to discover the identity of the owner and reach out to reunite them.

Peace of Mind Should They Go Missing

A missing pet can be a significant worry for pet owners, particularly for those of outdoor cats. However, knowing that your lost pet can be identified and returned to you can help give you peace of mind.

How does pet microchipping work?

Pet microchipping is quick and simple. During the consultation, the vet will discuss the microchipping process with you, explain how it works and address any concerns that you might have.

The microchip will then be injected under your pet's skin, typically between their shoulder blades. The procedure is fast and will cause your pet minimal discomfort.

Once the microchip has been implanted, the vet will then scan the area to make sure that the chip is working as it should. This will confirm that the chip is in place, and the ID number can be accurately read and recorded.

Once the microchip has been implanted, you can add your contact information to an approved database. It's that you keep this information updated, as it will allow you to be reunited with your missing pet when they are found.

Pet Microchipping FAQs

Is pet microchipping painful?

You might be worried that getting your pet microchipped might be painful for them, however the procedure is relatively painless, and similar to getting their vaccinations.

While it might be slightly uncomfortable for your pet during the injection, most pets have very little reaction to the microchip's insertion.

Does a microchip act as a GPS tracker?

No, a microchip does not function as a GPS tracker which can track your pet's location. Instead, the microchip provides a unique microchip number, which is stored on a compliant database, that helps identify your pet when it's scanned. This is particularly useful in reuniting you with your four legged friend should they ever go missing.

Do I need to register the microchip?

Yes, it's essential that your pet's microchip is registered and that your contact details are kept up to date.

Without microchip registration, the microchip's unique number won't be linked to you, and therefore the local vet or dog warden scanning the microchip will have a hard time in identifying your pet.

How do I update my contact information on the microchip registry?

You can update your contact information and pet's details by contacting the microchip company or visiting their website. It's important to keep these details up to date on the microchip database, especially after moving or changing phone numbers.

Can the microchip be removed or turned off?

Your pet’s microchip is not designed to be removed, and does not have an on/off switch. This is particularly helpful as the permanent nature of the microchip can make it harder for stolen pets to be sold on.

Can microchips migrate in a pet's body?

Microchips are inserted beneath the pet's skin, between the shoulder blades, and are designed not to move around too much as the body's internal tissue typically helps to keep the chip in place.

However, in some rare cases, the microchip may move slightly from its original position.

What if my pet is allergic to the microchip?

Allergic reactions to a microchip are incredibly rare, however, if you do notice any adverse reaction in your pet following their microchip, it's important to contact our team immediately.

Can anyone access my contact information from the microchip?

No, access to your contact information is restricted. Only those working in animal care can use the microchip ID number to access the registry.

This allows them to retrieve the information to contact you if your pet is found.