Pet Microchipping at Spinney Vets, Northampton
In the UK, microchipping is now a legal requirement for all dogs, with owners obligated to keep their contact details up to date. Although this law specifically applies to dogs, we strongly recommend microchipping your cats as well. This increases the chances of being reunited with your pet should they go missing.
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The goal of microchipping is to reduce the number of stray animals, promote responsible pet ownership, and make it easier to locate an owner in case of an emergency. It’s also essential to keep your contact information current in the microchipping database, as outdated details could hinder the process of safely returning your pet.
Spread the cost of essential healthcare for your pet
To spread the cost of health care for your pet, here at Spinney Vets we offer our Pet Health for Life Plan which covers microchipping.
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping is a permanent method of identifying your pet by implanting a small chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, under their skin. This quick and minimally uncomfortable procedure ensures that your pet has a unique identification number, which can be scanned with a portable reader.
Most vets, including Spinney Vets, as well as local authorities and rescue centers, have access to these scanners. The identification number is connected to your contact details in a central database, making it simple to reunite lost pets with their owners with just a phone call.
Each microchip contains a distinct code that is linked to your pet’s profile in the national microchipping database. It’s vital to keep your contact information updated to ensure a successful reunion if your pet is lost.
Which Animals Should Be Microchipped?
While microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs (puppies must be microchipped by 8 weeks of age before they are rehomed), it is also highly recommended for other pets such as cats, rabbits, and even exotic pets.
Failure to microchip your dog can result in a fine of up to £500. Additionally, pets traveling abroad must be microchipped and possess an Animal Health Certificate.
Pet Microchipping at Spinney Vets
The microchipping procedure requires no sedation, as it is quick and causes minimal discomfort. It can be performed during a routine consultation. If you’re unsure whether your pet already has a microchip, our team can easily scan your pet to verify.
When microchipping is done at Spinney Vets, you’ll need to complete a registration form. Our team will then submit your details to the national microchipping database. The registration is valid for the lifetime of your pet, and the procedure’s cost includes the registration fee.
All microchips used at Spinney Vets meet International Standards (ISO), ensuring they can be read by scanners abroad for pets traveling under the Pet Passport scheme.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at Spinney Vets. Our friendly and professional team is here to assist you.
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Why Choose Spinney Vets for Your Pet Microchipping?
Choosing the right vet for your pet’s microchipping is crucial to ensuring their safety and well-being. At Spinney Vets, we take pride in offering a reliable and efficient service that prioritizes your pet’s health. Our skilled team makes the process quick and stress-free, using high-quality microchips and providing comprehensive support. Whether you are microchipping a dog, cat, or rabbit, or preparing your pet for international travel, Spinney Vets offers dependable care and peace of mind.
At Spinney Vets, we offer:
- Experienced veterinary staff and friendly customer service
- Full support throughout the microchipping process
- ISO-compliant microchips that meet international standards
- Microchip checking services to ensure accurate registration and avoid duplication
- A welcoming and trustworthy service at our clinic
Contact Spinney Vets today to book your pet’s microchipping appointment.
Book a microchipping appointment at your local Spinney Vets
Spinney Veterinary Clinic Vets Kettering Road
491 Kettering Road,
Northampton
NN3 6QW
Spinney Vets Wootton Fields Veterinary Surgery
Tudor Court,
Wootton Hope Drive,
Wootton Fields,
Northampton
NN4 6FF
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Pet Microchipping Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny implant, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under your pet’s skin. When scanned, it provides a unique identification number. The microchip does not store any personal information. Instead, the number links to a secure database containing your contact details.
What Does Pet Microchipping Involve?
Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure where a tiny chip is injected beneath your pet’s skin using a syringe. This can be done by our vets or nurses at Spinney Vets. You’ll need to complete a registration form with your details, your pet’s information, and—most importantly—your contact information. This is then sent to the microchip company, which registers the chip. We will also provide you with a record of your pet’s unique microchip number.
Why Should I Microchip My Pet?
In the UK, it has been a legal requirement since April 2016 for all dogs over eight weeks old to be microchipped. Microchipping is the best way to ensure your pet can be identified as yours. If your pet ever goes missing, veterinary clinics and rescue centres can scan them and reunite them with you quickly. Many pets that are found as "strays" actually have loving homes, and a microchip helps to bring them back to their owners.
Is Microchipping Permanent?
Yes, in most cases. Once inserted, the microchip remains under your pet’s skin for life, although it may shift slightly from the original implantation site. Veterinary professionals are trained to scan the entire body to locate a chip if needed. While it is rare, a microchip can sometimes fail or be expelled from the body. If this happens, Spinney Vets will replace it at no additional cost.
Can All Pets Be Microchipped?
Most pets can be microchipped, including cats, dogs, rabbits, tortoises, and even larger birds. If you're unsure whether your pet can be microchipped, contact us, and our expert team will advise you on the best options.
What Happens If I Move to a New House?
If you change address or contact details, you must update this information with the microchip database to ensure your pet can always be returned to you if lost. Spinney Vets can update your details on your veterinary file and provide you with the correct contact number to update your microchip registration.
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