Your dog will be lost without a microchip
HAVING your pet microchipped is one of the best ways to increase its chances of getting home safely if it is lost as, unlike a collar, it’s a permanent form of identification.
From April 6, new laws make it vital that all dog owners ensure that their dogs aged eight weeks and over are chipped and that they keep their details on the database up to date.
After that date, they will liable for a fine of up to £500, if they don’t.
There is no need to worry about a microchip being too large or hurting a puppy or small dog.
All microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. They are quickly and easily implanted under the skin of the dog between the shoulder blades. But it’s important that dog owners ensure they get their dogs chipped by a veterinary professional.
Dogs Trust is currently on tour offering free microchipping. Details of these events are at chipmydog.org.uk, where you can also find details of your dog’s microchip database.
And free microchipping can be booked at all Dogs Trust’s rehoming centres. Some local councils will chip dogs free of charge. And any veterinary practice will be able to chip your dog, but may make a small charge.
Microchipping is a simple and effective tool which Dogs Trust hopes will help to rapidly reunite lost or stolen dogs with their owners.
The charity is delighted that, after years of campaigning, this important piece of dog welfare legislation is finally coming into effect.