Microchipping
Microchipping your pet is important for several reasons
- It is a legal requirement to have a dog microchipped – an owner’s details must be recorded on an appropriate, recognised microchip database and kept up-to-date under the Manx law.
- Identification: a microchip provides a permanent form of identification for your pet, which is crucial if they get lost.
- Reunification: if a lost pet is found and taken to the ManxSPCA or vet, they can be scanned for a microchip. This can significantly increase the chances of being quickly reunited with an owner.
- Permanence: while collars and tags can be lost or removed, a microchip is embedded under the skin and cannot be misplaced (although a collar and tag should be worn when a dog is outside to help with instant identification).
- Proof of ownership: microchips can serve as proof that a pet belongs to you, which can be helpful in cases of theft or disputes.
- Health and safety: some microchips can store medical history and other important information, which can be helpful in emergencies.
Overall, microchipping is a simple and effective way to ensure your pet’s safety and enhance the likelihood of bringing them back home if they become lost.
How it works
Many pets can be microchipped including cats, dogs, rabbits and horses.
A tiny microchip is injected under the animal’s skin. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice, and inserting it is a quick simple procedure.
The microchip contains a unique code, which can be scanned and matched to an owner’s contact details. These details are kept on a database and it’s vital that owners remember to up-to-date their contact details when necessary.