![Microchip](https://www.villagevets.ie/sites/default/files/styles/750-width/public/field/image/copy_of_vv_blog_header_pic_1_1.png?itok=TWUjlZx6)
What?
Microchip identification is the most permanent way to identify your pet. It is safe, practical & excellent value for money.
Why?
From 31st March 2016 all dogs must be microchipped by law. 1 in 3 pets will get lost. Without identification 90% won’t return home so don’t lose your best friend! If your pet gets lost not only will the microchip help in their journey back home but they are far also less likely to be put to sleep or rehomed. It's the most reliable and inexpensive proof of ownership.
But they have a collar and tag on?
Collars & pet tags are excellent but they can fall off or be removed. Microchipping is the only practical way of identifying your pet. A microchip, the size of a grain of rice is implanted under the skin at the back of the neck of your pet. On this chip is a unique 15-digit number that can be ‘read’ by a special scanner at all vets, pounds and sanctuaries. This unique number & your contact details are registered on a reunification database, so that should your pet go missing and turn up in any of these locations, you can be re-united. Ensure you register your details on the database, and also change your details should you move house, change phone number etc...
Databases to register your pet's microchip:
When?
I am getting a pup: When a puppy is born, it must be microchipped and then registered to the breeder who is the owner at that point in time. When the registered pup is given to the new owner, the initial Certificate of Registration is used to conduct a Change of Ownership.
I am getting a dog (not a pup): Bring your dog to us to be scanned. Also bring your photo ID and proof of address. Our team can check if your pet is already microchipped and help you to arrange registration if necessary
I am getting a kitten: Kittens can be microchipped as young as five weeks old.
I am getting an adult cat (not a kitten): Bring your cat to your vet to be scanned. The vet can discover if your cat has a chip and help you to arrange registration if necessary
For more details or to book an appointment call your nearest Village Vets Clinic