Independent veterinary care
Keeping your pet identifiable
Microchipping gives your pet a unique identification number linked to a registration database. Ask the practice about insertion, checking an existing chip, registration and keeping your contact details current.
Care and treatment decisions are always based on an individual assessment. Contact the clinic to discuss your pet and confirm appointment availability.
What a microchip is
A microchip is a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It carries a unique number. When a lost pet is taken to a vet, a rescue centre or a dog warden, the chip is scanned and the number is checked against a database to find the owner's details. Microchips are designed to last a lifetime and do not need batteries.
Who needs a microchip
In England it is a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped and registered by the time they are eight weeks old, and since 2024 cats must be microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks old. Your contact details on the database must be kept up to date.
Microchipping is not a legal requirement for other pets, but we also microchip rabbits, birds and other animals. A chip makes it much easier to reunite you with a pet that escapes or goes missing.
What happens at the appointment
Microchipping is a quick procedure, done with a needle in much the same way as an injection, and most pets cope with it very well. We scan the chip afterwards to check it is working, and give you the paperwork with your pet's chip number and details of how to register.
It is often done at the same visit as other routine care, such as puppy and dog vaccinations or kitten and cat vaccinations, or while your pet is under anaesthetic for neutering.
Keeping your details up to date
A chip only helps if the details on the database are correct. Update them whenever you move house or change phone number, and if you rehome a pet, make sure the registration is transferred.
If you have taken on a rescue or rehomed pet and are not sure whether it is chipped, bring it in and we can scan it for you. We can also scan a stray dog or cat that has been found, so the owner can be traced.
If your pet goes missing
If your pet goes missing, contact your microchip database straight away so the record is flagged, and let local vets, rescue centres and the dog warden know. Check sheds and garages, as cats in particular can get shut in. When a found animal is scanned, the database is used to contact you, so double-check that your phone number and address are correct. If you have moved since your pet was chipped, now is a good time to log in and check your details. A microchip does not replace a collar and tag for dogs, which is also a legal requirement when they are out in public.
Common questions
Does microchipping hurt?
Most pets react no more than to a normal injection. If your pet is nervous, the chip can be placed while they are under anaesthetic for another procedure.
Do microchips expire?
No. Microchips are designed to last your pet's lifetime, but your details on the database need to be kept current.
How do I find my pet's microchip number?
It is on the paperwork you received when the chip was placed. If you have lost it, we can scan your pet.
How much does microchipping cost?
See the costs section below or our vet prices page for the current fee.
Costs and estimates
Microchipping: £18.00
Microchipping for all pets.
Individual estimates can vary depending on your pet and the care required. Please confirm your estimate with the practice before treatment.