Microchipping advice

Microchipping for dogs is now a legal requirement, so if your dog is not already done, please take them to your vets to get it done.

Lost and found

Thousands of pets are lost every year and many are never reunited with their owners.

The RSPCA believes that the best way to make sure you find a missing pet is to have it microchipped - -implanted with a special microchip 'tag'.

How does microchipping work?

Once an animal has been microchipped, it has its own unique code number. The owner's details and the code are put on to the national Petlog computer database and, if a lost or stolen animal is found, the code will be revealed by passing a scanner over the microchip. Then it's just a matter of matching the code with the Petlog database to find contact details for the owner.

How can microchipping help to find my pet?

The Petlog microchipping scheme provides a fast, fool-proof means of identifying your animal wherever it is found. The RSPCA, as well as many other animal welfare organisations, vets and local authority dog wardens have scanners, which can read the microchip's details.

Is microchipping easy to do?

Yes, it's as simple as an injection. A tiny microchip - the size of a grain of rice - is painlessly inserted under your pet's skin. Once in place, it cannot move or be seen, but can be read by the scanner.

My pet has got a collar tag so why should it be microchipped?

As of April 2016 it became compulsory for every dog in England, Scotland and Wales to be microchipped, this also includes puppies which must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks old. Failure to comply with this can result in a fine so please make sure your dog is chipped.

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that 'any dog in a public place should wear the name and address of the owner either inscribed on the collar or a name plate or disc attached to it'.

So all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must wear a collar showing the name and address of the owner.

Every dog leaving Millbrook, either being adopted or fostered, will be microchipped and must leave wearing a collar with the correct identification on it.

Why should I worry about losing my pet?

There is always a chance that the most reliable and well-cared for animal will go missing or be stolen. Home-loving pets are the most likely to get lost because they don't know their way around the local area.

Is the microchip system well established?

More than two million animals have been microchipped in the UK and it is the RSPCA's policy to microchip all dogs and cats that we rehome.