Let's get serious about micro-chipping

Okay, I know this blog is from the point of view of our animals, but I've wrestled it off them for this post!

I just wanted to talk to you all for a moment about the importance of micro-chipping your pets. Micro-chipping is something that a lot of pet owners might think about but may decide to 'get it done later, there's no rush'. I cannot stress the importance. No matter if your cat never wanders farther than the nearby field, or your dog is extremely good off the lead and never runs off. Accidents can always happen.

I guess the first thing you're wondering is, why is she harping on about it?

The first thing that we do when a stray animal is brought into us is check to see if they are micro-chipped. Occasionally they are and it isn't long before they are happily reunited with their relieved owners. However, sadly, the majority of the time there is no micro-chip to be found. This may be because the animals genuinely are strays, or that they have been mis-treated and dumped. Or it may unfortunately be because their owner just didn't really think about getting them chipped.

Unless the owner calls us to check whether their missing animal has turned up at our Centre there isn't very much we can do in that situation. However, if you take the short vet visit to get your animal chipped all the heartache can be saved.

It is a similar situation at veterinary practices. If a member of the public brings in a stray animal or, in those sad cases, a injured or dead animal, the vet will always scan them for a chip. If the worst happens to your cat or dog it at least brings you peace of mind if you can find out what happened to them.

All of our animals here are micro-chipped before the leave for their new homes.

 

  



Sad cat without a microchip

 



Happy cat with a microchip!



So how does it work?

A tiny microchip is inserted under the skin and this assigns your animal with a unique code. This code is registered with your details on a database. If your animal is lost and the chip is scanned, your details will be available and you will quickly be reunited.

How can I get my pet microchipped?

The prices for a micro-chip range depending on which veterinary practice you use. You can also now pay more and have a Thermo-Chip. When your animal needs its temperature checking instead of the usual (and slightly uncomfortable!) method, all the vet needs to do is scan the chip. We decided to pay the extra few pounds when we adopted our latest cat and bought the Thermo-Chip. Unfortunately our old girl was chipped before the advent of these, so she still has to endure the thermometer!

Here at the Centre, we offer micro-chipping by appointment for just £10. If you call up the Centre you can get your pet booked in with us. If you're interested just call the Centre on 01332 344620 between 10am-4pm Thursday-Tuesday or pop in to us at 45 Abbey Street to enquire. As well as cats and dogs, we will also chip ferrets and rabbits!

Thanks for reading guys!