The government passed a law in April 2016 that makes micro-chipping compulsory for all companion dogs over 8 weeks of age; if a dog is found not to be micro-chipped the owner could face a fine of up to £500.

Dog breeders must ensure that puppies are microchipped and recorded by the time they are 8 weeks old and before they are sold.

Puppy buyers should not buy a dog from a breeder unless it has been microchipped and recorded on a database. When buying a puppy, you will be provided with microchipping documents which will allow you to transfer ownership on the database (though your breeder may do this for you). If you do not receive microchipping documents then you should reconsider buying the puppy, question the integrity of the breeder and be aware of any signs of puppy farming.

It is also essential that the pet’s microchip details are kept up to date. Not only is micro-chipping now a legal requirement, it is also a crucial part of good dog ownership and animal welfare. Making sure a dog is micro-chipped greatly helps in reuniting lost dogs with their owners. Here at Clockhouse Veterinary Hospital we recommend all companion animals are micro-chipped, especially dogs and cats.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted subcutaneously (just under the skin) between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet's neck. Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner. This number is then registered on a database along with the pet’s details and the owner's contact information. To update your pet’s micro-chip details you will need to contact the micro-chip provider. If you are unsure which company you need to contact you can either bring your pet in for us to scan the chip or check online at www.check-a-chip.co.uk