Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs, as is a collar and an ID tag. Even though collars and identification tags are a good idea, they can easily be lost or removed. Microchips are a permanent way of identifying your pet. The majority of vets, animal charities and local authorities have microchip scanners, ensuring that your pet can be identified and returned to you promptly if found

A microchip is a small, sterile implant about the size of a grain of rice. It can be placed by one of our Veterinary Surgeons or Veterinary Nurses. In dogs and cats, the microchip is inserted under the skin, between the shoulder blades.

The procedure is quick, easy and is generally well tolerated. Your pet will not require sedation or anaesthetic.

Each microchip has its own unique identity number. Each time your pet is scanned the number will be recognised by a scanning device. This number is then entered into a system where your pet’s details can be accessed via a national database. The details are only accessible to veterinary practices and other approved centres, such as kennels and rescue centres.

If your pet goes missing and is subsequently taken to a veterinary practice, rescue centre or animal welfare organisation, they will be scanned on arrival and you will be contacted via the details registered with the national database. It’s often overlooked but it’s important that if you change your address or contact details you update the Petlog database. There is a small administration charge for this.

Microchipping does not make dogs exempt from wearing a collar and tag when out in public. This is a legal requirement. The tag should state the name and address of the owner.

From April 2016, microchipping became compulsory for all dog owners in England. Breeders and owners are now responsible for updating their details on the database, as well as notifying the database of a new owner before selling or giving a dog away. Those who do not have their dogs microchipped from April 2016 may face a £500 fine.

The steps involved are as follows:

1. Your pet needs to be implanted with a readable microchip before receiving a rabies vaccination.  A microchip can be implanted on the day of vaccination or the location of an existing microchip can be confirmed.  The microchip number will be recorded on your pet’s passport

2.  Your pet needs to be vaccinated against rabies and must be at least 12 weeks old to receive this vaccination

Following this vaccination your pet must wait 21 days before they can enter another EU country

The day of vaccination is classed as day 0.  The vaccine used and date of vaccination are recorded on your pet’s passport

3.  Dogs must be treated with a licensed product to treat the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.  The treatment usually consists of a tablet, which will be administered by a vet and this will also be recorded in your pet’s passport

The treatment must be given between 1 and 5 days before returning to the UK

It is advisable that your pet is treated against other parasites, including ticks, but it is not mandatory and our vets can advise you on this.

Owners should be aware that it is their responsibility to check the requirements for the export and import of pets on the DAFM website.

It is essential to plan for your pet passport in advance of travel given the timings detailed above and considering the time it will take one of our vets to complete the paperwork.  You don’t need to renew or change your pet passport as long as it continues to meet the entry requirements.  A new one can be issued once the treatment spaces are full.