16/10/2015
Why Micro-chipping your dog is a no-brainer
Every year, thousands of pets go missing and fewer than half are reunited with their owners. Micro-chipping your pet is the most effective way of ensuring that your pet can be identified and returned to you. Collars and identification discs can be slipped off or removed but a microchip is a permanent identification method that will increase the likelihood of an owner being located.
What is a microchip and how does it work?
A microchip is a small electronic transponder about the size of a grain of rice. It is painlessly injected under the animals’ skin. In a dog it is injected under the skin, just between the shoulder blades, using a sterile needle. Microchips contain a unique 15 digit number which can be read using a special scanner which can be found at most vets, local authority dog shelters or animal welfare organisations. If a microchip is discovered, a national database can be checked and the owner notified. If your details change, such as moving house, you should contact the database operator to update your contact details.
How much will it cost?
It will cost around €20 - €30 to get your pet micro-chipped and can be done by your vet. Animal welfare organisations may offer reduced price micro-chipping for those on benefits. If you get a rescue dog, most animal welfare organisations, including the ISPCA, micro-chip the dog before they are rehomed – so please consider adopting a dog from a reputable rescue centre.
Do it now!
Don’t put off getting your pet micro-chipped. Don’t wait until it is too late – do it now. The government is proposing to make micro-chipping for dogs compulsory in 2016 so you will have to do it eventually, but why wait. Micro-chipping gives you peace of mind that if your dog gets lost, goes missing or is stolen, the chances of it being returned to you will be significantly greater.
It’s a no-brainer – be a responsible dog owner and get your dog micro-chipped today!
Sourced http://www.ispca.ie