June is National Microchipping Month, so what better time to brush up on your knowledge about how these electronic chips can keep your best friend safe.
What are microchips and how do they work?
Microchips are tiny electronic devices containing a unique code that are implanted between a dogs shoulder blades. When a stray dog is found, this unique code will be searched on a national database to find the rightful owners contact details.
What does the law say about microchipping?
Since 2016 it has been a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped from 8 weeks of age and to have current owner information associated with the chip.
It is a legal requirement for breeders to microchip and register the puppies to themselves before they are sold to their new homes. The new owner must then transfer the contact details from the breeder to themselves. If you buy a puppy without a microchip, you should book an appointment to get one implanted as soon as possible.
If your dog is found to be without a microchip, you may be served with a penalty notice instructing you to microchip your dog. If this is ignored, you can be taken to court and fined up to £500. Alternatively, a dog warden may seize your dog from you in order to microchip it and then order you to recuperate the costs of doing so.
How does microchipping keep my dog safe?
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a lost or stolen dog, a microchip could be the one thing that gets your dog home. Upon finding a stray dog, the first thing port of call is to scan for a microchip. Many dogs have been reunited with their families years after being stolen just from this simple process.
When do microchips fail to keep dogs safe?
Within the UK alone, there are more than 12 different database companies currently in operation and nothing to stop more from starting up. This makes it harder for vets and others with microchip scanners to cover all of the databases and some may be missed.
It is possible for microchips to migrate around the body, so it may appear as though a dog is not chipped when they have previously been. However professional implantation makes this highly unlikely, so ensure that you use a suitably qualified person to chip your dog.
However the biggest factor in microchip failure is the most simple one to resolve - out of date contact details. Phone numbers that don't ring, addresses that are no longer occupied, and completely blank chips will make reuniting with your lost dog harder or even completely impossible.
You should make it a matter of priority to update details with your microchip company if there are any changes to your contact status, such as a house move or a new phone number. Additionally, ensure that you inform your microchip company if your dog is stolen, as they can register this alongside your contact details.
Microchips Reunite Families
It really is essential for your dog to have an up to date microchip, and it is your responsibility as their owner to do this. After all, it could be the difference between you reuniting with your much loved family dog or missing them forever.
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