Microchipping: The Best Chance of Getting a Lost Pet Home

Every year, countless pets go missing — through open gates, storms, fireworks or simple bad luck. A microchip is the single best way to make sure that, if your pet is found, they can be traced straight back to you.

What a microchip is

It's a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin between the shoulder blades by a vet — quick and no more painful than a normal injection. Each chip has a unique number that a vet or shelter can read with a scanner.

Why it beats a collar alone

Collars and tags are great, but they slip off, break or get removed. A microchip is permanent and can't be lost. The two together are ideal.

The step everyone forgets

A microchip only works if it's registered and kept up to date on a database with your current contact details. A chip linked to an old phone number can't bring your pet home. So:

• Make sure your vet registers the chip when it's implanted.
• Update your details whenever you move or change your number.
• Keep a note of your pet's chip number somewhere safe.

Peace of mind

It's a small, once-off cost for something that can make all the difference on the worst day. If your pet isn't chipped yet, add it to your next vet visit.