Pennard Vets

Microchipping

Why microchipping is important for all pets

Microchipping is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that your pet is returned to you if they ever become lost or are stolen.

It’s a quick and painless procedure that will mean that your pet will always be able to be identified – and, as long as you keep your details up to date on the national database. This means they can be reunited with you as soon as possible.

It should be noted that it is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped by the age of eight weeks. You can be fined up to £500 if your dog is not microchipped.

We are also happy to, and in fact encourage, microchipping for other pets, too.

Microchips are included at no extra cost for all members of our Pet Health Club

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is implanted into the loose skin at the back of your pet’s neck.

As our vets have to use a needle to impact the chip, your pet may feel a small amount of discomfort – but only for a few seconds. There is no pain, and many pets may not notice that anything has happened!

It contains a unique code that matches to a database where your contact details are also stored.

If your pet does become lost or is stolen, local authorities such as vets, dog wardens or police officers can scan for the chip, identify your pet, and contact you to arrange returning them to you.

It is a safe and permanent form of identification, and causes no discomfort for your pet – in fact, they won’t even know that the microchip is there.

Featured Team Member

Sevenoaks

Mark Rowland

Veterinary Surgeon

Available Practices

Sevenoaks
Tonbridge
Maidstone
Allington
Borough Green
Langley Park
West Malling

Within Pennard Vets, we are delighted to be able to offer microchipping at the above branches. We appreciate that this might mean a journey from your usual site but we can assure you the level of service is just the same and the team will be delighted to look after you.

What we’re talking about

What are Harvest Mites

How do I change my details?

Unlike collars and tags, microchips cannot get lost. However, it is only effective if you remember to keep your contact details up-to-date.

There are a range of national databases in which pets may be registered. Once you know where your pet is registered, you must ensure that any changes to your name, contact details or address are updated on the correct database.

Otherwise, you run the risk of anyone finding your pet being unable to return them to you.

It is also important to note that if you are getting a new pet, it is your responsibility to find out whether they are microchipped, and to either update their ownership information on their microchip database if they have previously had the procedure, or to arrange for them to be microchipped if not.