It may not be your fault if your pet gets lost ……………..

but it will be if it can’t be identified when it is found.

How Does the Chip Work?

The microchip is only activated when a scanner is passed over it. The rest of the time the chip is completely inert.

When it is passed over the chip, the scanner emits electromagnetic waves. These create an electrical pulse within the chip, causing it to transmit a unique radio signal back to the scanner. It’s a very quick process, and completely harmless to the animal.

The person scanning the chip can read your pet’s unique identity code and use this to trace its owner (you) by referring to the national database.

Identity microchips are now widely used by vets to establish animal identity, and are a legal requirement when a dog, cat or ferret is travelling abroad, so the vast majority of animal-related agencies will have a scanner.

What if you move house?

The microchip is only as good as the information on the national database, so it is absolutely essential that you make sure it is kept up to date. There are different ways of doing this:

• You can do it yourself by phoning 01904 487600
• or you can do it on-line at www.virbac-backhome.co.uk

…. but to make any changes you will need your pet’s microchip number and the security code from you registration certificate. There is a charge of £5 for making any changes to the database.

During June we will be offering microchips for £10 including VAT (normal price £19.99)

If your pet is not microchipped make an appointment during National Microchip Month and save money.