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Dog microchipping - It is now law for all dogs to be microchipped. This is highly recommended as 100’s of dogs go missing each year and are never returned to their owners as they cannot be identified.

This can easily be done during a consultation with a vet for £20.86*. Microchipping is FREE on our Pet Health For Life Plan.

Book a microchipping appointment

What is Dog Microchipping?

Dog microchipping is a permanent ID system, which involves a chip, no bigger than a grain of rice being implanted under the skin of your dog's scruff.

Each microchip has a unique number, which can be read by a portable scanner, which vets, local authorities and rescue homes have access to; ensuring your contact details can be easily obtained from the central microchipping database. Once your dog has been scanned and identified by their microchip, a simple phone call can reunite you with your pet.

Microchipping is not only for dogs, but also for cats, ferrets, rabbits, snakes, parrot, tortoises and horses and comes highly recommended by all the team at Woodward Veterinary Practice. It is now also a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped, and all puppies must be vaccinated by 8 weeks of age before ownership is transferred from the breeder. You can be fined up to £500 if your dog is not microchipped. It is also worth noting, that if you are planning on taking your pet abroad, they must be microchipped and have an Animal health certificate.

Dog Microchipping at Woodward Vets

Sedation is not necessary for the implantation of the dog microchip as this procedure causes minimal discomfort and can be done in a routine consultation. And don't worry if you can't recall (or know) if your pet is microchipped - It is very easy to check for a microchip using a scanner. We can arrange for a member of the team at Woodward Veterinary Practice to scan your pet and check for a working chip. Rest assured, we always check that an animal hasn’t already got a microchip before implanting a new one.

At the time of implant, you will be asked to complete a registration form, from which your details are then submitted to a national database by a team member. Your details are kept on the database for your pet’s lifetime, and the fee for this is included in the cost of implantation.

It is important to update any changes to your contact details as soon as possible. At Woodward Veterinary Practice, all our microchips comply with the International Standard (ISO) and can, therefore, be recognised by scanners abroad.

For more information, please speak to one of our friendly team members at our practice by calling the branch most local to your home address.

Book a microchipping appointment

Dog Microchipping FAQs

 

Do dogs have to be microchipped?

Yes, in England, all dogs must be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old. This is a legal requirement that came into effect in 2016. You can be fined if your dog is not microchipped. 

What do dog microchips look like?

The microchip itself is a small, rice-sized electronic chip encased in glass.It's implanted under the dog's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. You can't see the microchip itself, but you might notice a tiny scar where it was inserted.

How long do dog microchips last?

Dog microchips are designed to last the entire lifetime of your dog. They are made from biocompatible glass and are very durable. Once implanted, they won't require any maintenance.

Where do microchips go on dogs​?

Microchips for dogs are implanted between the shoulder blades This location is chosen because it's a relatively stable area with minimal movement, reducing the risk of the chip migrating. Also, your pet can't reach it to irritate the area after insertion.

How much is it to get a dog microchipped?

The cost of microchipping a dog in the UK can vary depending on where you go, however, you can generally expect to pay between £10 and £30. At Woodward Vets, our microchipping is included in our Pet Health for Life Plan.