Reminder to make sure your dog is microchipped and has a tag on their collar
As Spring seems to have sprung and we've got some nicer weather at last it might be the time of year when we're thinking of going out and about for some longer walks with our dogs.
As a dog owner, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your pet I'm sure if a top priority. One way to do this is by ensuring that your dog is microchipped and has a dog tag with up-to-date contact information. This not only helps to reunite lost pets with their owners but also ensures that they receive proper medical care and attention if needed.
Firstly, microchipping your dog is a simple and effective way to identify your pet if they go missing. Microchips are tiny electronic devices that are injected under the skin, and they contain a unique identification number. This number can be read by a microchip scanner, which is used by the animal wardens, veterinary clinics, and rescue organisations. By registering your pet's microchip with a government-approved database, you can ensure that your contact information is linked to your pet's identification number, and you can be quickly reunited with your dog if they are found.
A dog tag is another crucial form of identification for your pet. Unlike microchips, dog tags are visible and provide immediate identification to anyone who finds your lost dog. A dog tag should contain your name and address by law, but many people also choose to add their phone number so they can be reunited quickly with their dog.
If you move or change your phone number, make sure to update your dog's tag and microchip details as soon as possible to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date.
It's important to note that simply having a dog tag and microchip is not enough. The database in which your pet's information is registered must be government-approved, so it can be accessed by veterinary clinics, animal wardens, and rescue organisations. A government-approved database ensures that your pet's information is linked to their unique identification number and can be accessed easily by those who need it and is also a legal requirement and you may be fined up to £500 if your dog is not microchipped on an approved database.
To check government approved databases see link below:
https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped
Ensuring that your dog is microchipped and has a dog tag with up-to-date contact information is critical for their safety and wellbeing. It can help reunite lost pets with their owners, ensure they receive proper medical care, and prevent them from becoming lost or injured. As a responsible dog owner, taking these simple steps can go a long way in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your beloved pet.
