It has now become compulsory for dogs to be microchipped in the UK and their details kept up to date. Although it is only compulsory for dogs to be microchipped in the UK, we recommend that cats be microchipped too. Microchipping your pet may help you to be reunited if they go missing.
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping is a permanent ID system, which involves a chip, no bigger than a grain of rice being implanted under the skin of your pet’s scruff. It's a relatively quick and painless procedure.
Each microchip has a unique number, which can be read by a portable scanner, which most vets, including all Gower Veterinary clinic and hospital branches, local authorities and rescue homes have access to; ensuring your contact details can be easily obtained from the central microchipping database. Once your pet has been scanned and identified by their microchip, a simple phone call can reunite you with your pet.
Book a microchipping appointment
Each microchip contains a unique code that is registered to the individual animal it is placed in. The unique code can be read with a microchip scanner. Once the chip has been placed owner contact and animal identification information is then registered to the Microchipping database. It is here that the information will be stored and can be accessed by Veterinary professionals to help reunite lost pets with their owners. It is very important that any change of contact information is kept up to date with the database, as this will help to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Which Animals Need Microchipping?
Microchipping is not only for dogs, but also for cats, rabbits, and many more animals, and comes highly recommended by the team at Gower Veterinary Clinic and Hospital. It is now also a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped, and all puppies must be vaccinated by 8 weeks of age before ownership is transferred from the breeder. You can be fined up to £500.00 if your dog is not microchipped. It is also worth noting, that if you are planning on taking your pet abroad, they must be microchipped and have an Annual Health Certificate.
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Spread the cost of essential healthcare for your pet
To spread the cost of routine and essential healthcare for your pet, we offer our Pet Health for Life plan, which includes microchipping, an annual health check for your pet and more.
Microchipping Your Pet at Gower Vets
Sedation is not necessary for the implantation of the microchip as this procedure causes minimal discomfort and can be done in a routine consultation. And don't worry if you can't recall (or know) if your pet is microchipped - It is very easy to check for a microchip using a scanner. We can arrange for a member of the team at one of our Gower Vets in Swansea to scan your pet and check for a working chip. Rest assured, we all always check that an animal hasn’t already got a microchip before implanting a new one.
At the time of implant, you will be asked to complete a registration form, from which your details are then submitted to a national database by a Gower Vets team member. Your details are kept on the database for your pet’s lifetime, and the fee for this is included in the cost of implantation.
It is important to update any changes to your contact details as soon as possible. At Gower Vets, all our microchips comply with the International Standard (ISO) and can, therefore, be recognised by scanners abroad when used in the Pet Passport scheme.
For more information, please speak to one of our friendly team members at one of our practices/practice within by calling the branch most local to your home address.
Microchipping FAQ
What is a Microchip?
A micro-chip is a small implant approximately the size of a grain of rice. Once your pet has been microchipped, the chip sits under the skin and, when scanned, will provide the scanner with a bar code number. THE MICRO-CHIP DOES NOT CONTAIN YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION.
What Does Pet Microchipping Involve?
Placing a microchip is a simple procedure where the small chip is injected through a needle under your pet’s skin. This can be done by our vets or nurses. A form is completed with your details, your pet’s details and, most importantly, your contact details. This form is submitted to our micro-chip company who register the chip we have implanted with your information. We will also give you copies of your pet’s unique micro-chip number for your records.
Why should I Microchip my pet?
From April 2016 it became a legal requirement that all dogs over 8 weeks old in the UK are microchipped. Most importantly, microchipping identifies your pet as yours. Rescue centres and veterinary surgery's routinely scan stray or injured animals brought in as strays. In many cases these animals are not strays but a much-loved pet and, if micro-chipped, the worried owner can be easily contacted and reunited.
Is Microchipping Permanent?
In the majority of cases, yes. Once the chip has been placed, it will remain under your pet’s skin. It is very common for the chip to move from the original place it is injected. Professionals are aware of this and will check the whole animal with the microchip scanner! Please note that it is possible for a microchip to come out after it has been injected. This is very rare. At Gower Vets in Swansea, if your pet’s microchip can-not be found after we have implanted it we will replace it free of charge.
Can all pets be microchipped?
Most pets can be microchipped including larger birds and tortoises. If you are unsure if your pet can be micro-chipped please call us on
What happens if I move to a new house?
If you move to a new house, you must contact your microchip company to update your contact details. At Gower Vets we can provide you with the number to call as well as updating your details on your veterinary file.