Midcheshire Independent Issue 178

9 MAY 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent PETS Why microchipping is top dog MICROCHIPPING is a quick, safe and perma- nent way of identifying your pet, and means that they can be easily returned to you if they are lost or stolen. Your vet practice will be able to microchip dogs, cats and other species, and help you register the microchip with the correct database to ensure your contact details are linked to the chip num- ber for future use. It’s really important that these details are kept up to date if your contact infor- mation changes. By law, all dogs over the age of eight weeks old need to be microchipped and have up to date details reg- istered on a microchipping database. You can be fined if you do not ensure this is done. Microchipping is also a legal requirement in cats, with a failure to do so by the time they reach the age of 20 weeks punishable by a fine of up to £500. If your pet is lost and then found by anyone, a professional – such as a vet or a dog warden – will scan the microchip and be given a 15-digit code. This code can then be searched on the microchip database, who will run security checks before sup- plying your contact details so you can be notified. Providing you have kept your contact details up to date, this will enable you to be reunited with your pet! To learn more about the process or book a micro- chipping appointment for your pet, please reach out to your local Willows practice.