Towcester Vets advice about non-microchipped pets
June 21, 2023
As a pet owner, you want to do everything possible to keep your furry friend safe and secure. One essential step in this process is microchipping your pet. Microchipping is a quick and affordable procedure that involves inserting a tiny chip under your pet’s skin, containing unique identification information. This can be done in an ordinary vet consultation at any of our small animal clinics so contact us today to get your pet booked in.
Book a microchipping appointment
Our veterinary team have put together the following article on why you should microchip your pet. It is the law for all dogs to be microchipped. The law is soon changing to make it essential that cats are microchipped too, and we also recommend microchipping your rabbit, in case they break out of your garden.
Why un-microchipped pets are at risk
Difficulty finding your lost pet
Losing a pet is a stressful and emotional experience. Without proper identification, finding a lost pet can be challenging, if not impossible. Collars and ID tags can fall off or be removed (although dogs must wear them in public by law), leaving your pet without any form of identification. Plus, if your pet escapes from your home, it’s unlikely they will be wearing a collar and ID tag. Microchipping your pet ensures that they have a permanent form of identification, making it easier for you to locate them if they become lost and get handed in to a veterinary practice, the police, or an animal shelter.
Increased risk of pet theft
Pet theft is a growing problem, and without proper identification, stolen pets may be challenging to locate and return to their rightful owners. Microchipping your pet provides a permanent form of identification, making it more difficult for thieves to sell or keep a stolen pet.
Delayed medical treatment
Our veterinary surgeons urge owners to think about what would happen if your pet becomes injured or ill after escaping from home or whilst out on a walk? In this situation, finding the owner is crucial so the animal can receive timely medical treatment. Without proper identification, your pet’s medical treatment may be delayed, potentially causing them further harm. Microchipping your pet ensures that they can be quickly identified, and as their owner you can be contacted to make the necessary treatment decisions.
Difficulty proving ownership
If your pet is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic without proper identification, proving ownership can be challenging. Microchipping your pet provides permanent proof of ownership linked to a database containing your information, making it easier to reclaim your lost pet.
Legal requirements
As stated above, microchipping your dog is a legal requirement and failure in doing this will result in fines and other legal consequences should your dog become known to the authorities. Additionally, if your pet bites someone, proper identification can help prove ownership and reduce the risk of legal action against you.
In summary, not microchipping your pet can lead to a range of problems, from difficulty finding your lost pet to delayed medical treatment and legal consequences. Microchipping your pet is a simple and affordable procedure that provides permanent identification, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your pet’s safety and security. If you haven’t already, consider microchipping your pet at Towcester Vets today.