Microchipping your pets
If you follow us on social media, you will see we help clients and local families by posting about their missing animals to help spread the word. We see a high number of lost pets who are not microchipped and this does make it more difficult to reunite – microchipping can help to change that.
Collars and tags are also useful but can get caught or removed – microchipping identifies your pet permanently and effectively.
We strongly advise microchipping your pets for security and peace of mind.
Firstly, let us explain what a microchip is… ( it is not as scary as it sounds!)
Microchips are tiny (similar to a grain of rice!) implantable computer chips that carry vital contact information about your pet. They each have a unique identification number so no two are the same and identifying lost pets is very simple.
How vets use them:
When a lost or stray animal is brought into the practice, after checking over its health and wellbeing we will use our scanner to check for a microchip. The information stored on the chip will help us reunite pets with their owners as soon as possible.
Implanting the microchip:
Here you will see Bubble being microchipped by Jess and Ed.
Bubble sat very still while we implanted the chip in the back of the neck using a syringe. It is a very quick and simple procedure and Bubble & family were on their way in no time.
You can also see the scanner we use to check for microchips on the table too!
It is VERY IMPORTANT to keep this information up to date with a new address should you move home or contact numbers. It is a legal requirement in the UK for owners to microchip their dogs (by 8 weeks old) and horses. It is strongly advised for other pets too such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. If they are likely to wander if they leave their home, it is wise to microchip! You can find out more information here: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped
It isn’t just the vets that can scan for microchips – rescue centres and dog wardens will also use a scanner should they need too.
Wicstun Vets are a mixed practice meaning whether you need your kitten or your horse microchipping, we can help. The cost of microchipping starts as low as £14.60 and could one day reunite you with your pet. It is a very simple procedure and can be done on-site at any of our branches. For horse microchipping, we offer home visits or you can come see us at our Market Weighton hospital.
