One scenario every pet owner dreads is their dog or cat getting lost. This is where a microchip implant and a pet microchip scanner come in. The microchip is a kind of high-tech pet colla that can be registered and read using a compatible microchip scanner. Of course, any pet who has a real collar will have the important identification and contact details in that tag, but an implanted microchip provides an extra level of safety for the pet and security for their owner.
The chip is tiny, so it's barely noticeable by you or your pet. It's implanted subcutaneously, so it won't ever fall off, unlike a collar. And it's made from high-quality materials, guaranteeing it will last the lifetime of your pet.
Each microchip holds essential details stored on it, including important contact numbers, addresses, and necessary information about the owner and the pet.
What's good about this device is that there's no major surgery required to install it. While the needle that's used to implant the chip into the pet is a little larger than an ordinary syringe, they will barely notice its insertion.
Dog Microchipping Law
The Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 mandates that every dog eight weeks and older living in England must be implanted with a microchip.
It also states that the details in the registration must always be kept up to date. These include the change of address if the owners move house and any change to contact telephone numbers.
Anyone who neglects to follow the regulations will be subject to a fine of up to £500. Dog owners had 21 days from the implementation of the regulations to microchip their pets.
While this regulation only covers the microchipping of dogs, every pet owner is encouraged to use the technology. It will certainly help identify your pet if it is ever lost, stolen, or involved in an accident.
Using a Pet Microchip Reader
While the humble and simple pet collar is still a useful tool, an implanted microchip can prove even more beneficial because it won't get lost under any normal circ*mstances.
If a pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or a vet, the staff there can use a microchip scanner. Once it locates a chip, the information registered to it will be displayed. And if that information is accurate and the contact details are up to date, the owners can be contacted and reunited with their pet.
Other Considerations
If you have to give away your dog for any reason, or are in the business of selling pets, you can easily transfer the registration to the new owner. Having a microchip scanner for pets at home can prove useful in such cases. As a precaution, all animals should be registered after the age of eight weeks, whether they are sold to new owners or kept.
Get High-Quality and Reliable Pet Microchips And Scanners
SmartBreeder is a trusted supplier of microchips for dogs and all other pets.
The microchips we produce in-house are fully operational and will work for years and years. We make sure that each microchip and every microchip scanner passes through a rigid quality control procedure.
You don't need to worry about inaccurate registration numbers because we use a sophisticated control number system that makes every single one unique.
For enquiries about microchip implants and scanners, don't hesitate to call us on 01208 420 999 or send an email using our contact page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a microchip scanner?
Putting a microchip in your pet is not in any way harmful; it's pretty safe and straightforward. The microchip inserted in your pet emits a radio frequency signal. It will generate this signal when there's a microchip scanning device for pets pointing towards it. The microchip has a unique ID code that the transmitter will read.
Can you feel a dog’s microchip?
The microchip should be implanted in the right spot, which is between the shoulder blades. If this is done, you won't typically feel the microchip under the skin. In a very small number of cases, the microchip may migrate to another location. Consult your vet if you think this has happened.
Is it a good idea to microchip your dog?
Putting an AVID microchip in your pet is more secure than fitting a collar, which can easily snap, fall off, or be removed. You can add your pet's medical condition as well as your contact details in a microchip. Implanting one in your dog is a legal requirement, but for any pet, it can offer a lot of benefits.
Can NFC read dog microchip?
Microchips are NFC (Near Frequency Communication) devices. This means that only a microelectronic scanner for animals can detect the microchips implanted in your pets at point-blank range. The scanner uses an electromagnetic frequency to power up the implanted microchips. The electromagnetic frequency then sends the saved data to the scanner.
Can you scan a microchip with your phone?
In many cases you can, by using a proprietary pet microchip scanner app. This app is easy to use; it helps vets and livestock producers to read microchips conveniently through their smartphones. They use it to retrieve database information, record GPS coordinates, and add additional details to animal ID records and devices.
The Law On Microchipping Your Pets
In the UK, when dogs turn eight weeks old, they must be implanted with microchips. It's been mandatory since April 2016. It's worth noting that 18 Dog Trust centres across the country will do it for free. Some housing associations and veterinary surgeries also fit free microchips. These microchips can last for 20 years and won't break easily.
If a local authority uses a microchip scanner and finds out that your dog has no microchip, they'll give you a chance to have it done. If you don't get it done within the given time, they may charge a fine of up to £500.
Things To Know About Microchipping Your Dog
Implanting a microchip in your dog is beneficial. That microchip holds your contact details, which can be helpful when your dog is lost. A vet or animal shelter will scan the microchip using an RFID chip scanner for pets, and can then quickly identify and contact you. If your contact details have changed, get in touch with the microchip provider to update it for a just small fee.
Getting your dog microchipped is compulsory in the UK. If you don't get it done, you could be liable for a fine of up to £500.
Importance of Microchipping Your Pet
Implanting a microchip in your pets is essential. First, you'll need to register the microchip and add the necessary information about you and your pet. These microchips will hold your contact information and can be scanned by pet microchip scanners if your pet gets lost. Research shows that pets with microchips have a much higher chance of being reunited with their owners than those who don't. Always make sure that the information kept in the microchip is up to date.
If you need further information on microchips and pet scanners, contact SmartBreeder today.
