Spotlight Magazines Spotlight Magazine for Mansfield North, June 2015 | Page 10

Spotlight Magazine F Microchipping Pets rom April 2016 it will be compulsory for a dog to be microchipped in the UK. But what is a microchip and what does it do? Microchipping seeks to aid reuniting lost or stolen pets with their owners with their pets. It should be used in conjunction with the usual tag and collar. The computer microchip contains a unique identity number and is housed in a type of glass which is compatible with living tissue. The whole thing is about the size of a grain of rice. A special syringe and needle are used to implant the chip between your pet’s shoulder blades. The insertion isn’t painful and a check will be made using a handheld device immediately afterwards to ensure that the chip’s data is readable. 10 The code and owners details are then stored on a national database. It is important to update your details on the database if you move. Many pets are suitable for microchipping including dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. Charities such as the Dogs Trust are so passionate about its importance that they offer it for free at their rehoming centres and run chipping roadshow events throughout the year. Vets and other organisations charge for microchipping, and costs will vary depending on the size of your pet and where you live. From April 2016 it will be compulsory for a dog to be microchipped in the UK. By Susan Brookes-Morris www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • [email protected]