Pets & Animal Management

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Pet Microchipping

Microchipping

 
Keeping track of your pet every minute of the day is not always possible, and sometimes pets go astray. Due to changes in legislation microchipping is now compulsory.  Microchipping your pet is a great way to ensure that it is permanently identified as yours & makes it easy for your beloved pet to be returned to you. Collars and tags can be removed or fall off causing difficulties in returning lost or stolen pets to their owners. 

You can have your pet microchipped at any vet clinic and most animal shelters that have veterinary services.  A small chip the size of a grain of rice is injected between an animal's shoulder blades, providing a permanent form of identification for your pet.   Implanting a microchip is relatively pain free and once in, it is safe and painless. The cost of a microchip can vary depending on the vet you take your pet to.  Some organisations such as the RSPCA offer reduced rates as a way to promote responsible pet ownership.

You can get your pet microchipped by your local Vet or animal welfare organisation such as RSPCA or Lost Dogs Home.

The council's animal management officers carry microchip scanners in their vehicles and can reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners. It is important to make sure the details on your pet's microchip are always kept up to date and as detailed as possible.  Make changing your pet's microchip details a priority if you change your address.  You can do this by contacting Central Animal Records or the National Pet Register

It is important to be sure to include your current mobile phone number and work numbers and the number of a friend as often animals are found during working hours. This means that if your pet gets out of your yard or becomes lost they have the greatest chance of being returned to you in the shortest period of time with the least amount of stress for both you and your pet.

 

More Information

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