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INCREDIBLY, a recent report suggests that, despite becoming a legal requirement back in April 2016, around 30 % of dogs nationally have not been chipped. The numbers may be even higher in Yorkshire.

Not only is having your dog microchipped now a legal requirement, it is one of the best ways to increase a lost dog’s chance of getting back home should they go missing. Whilst collar and identity tags are also a legal requirement, and a great way of quickly identifying a dog’s owner, they can fall off or be removed. Should this happen, microchipping offers a permanent back-up in identifying a missing dog and ensuring their safe return.

A microchip is a small electronic chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted under the dog’s skin and contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner.

The dog owner’s contact details relating to each number are logged on a central database, so should the dog ever go missing or be stolen it can be scanned by the authorities and returned to his owner. It is vital that the owner takes responsibility for updating their details with the database should their circumstances change.

Using a specially designed implanting device, the microchip is injected through a sterile needle under the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. The chips that we implant at Donaldson’s are very tiny and the needle is coated in silicone so that it can be inserted very easily. No anaesthetic is required and the procedure should cause no more discomfort than a standard vaccination.

If a stray dog is found to have a microchip, the local authority, vet practice or animal welfare organisation will contact the national 24 hour database to find the owner’s details. The owner can then be contacted and reunited with their dog.

All dogs aged eight weeks and over must now be microchipped.

If you do not microchip your dog, you could face a fine of up to £500 or a conviction. Alternatively an enforcer, such as a dog warden, may seize your dog.