Dog owners could face a £500 fine if their pets are not microchipped by April 6.
Under new legislation pooches over eight-weeks old must be microchipped by law.
Statistics show that about 1.8 million dogs still do not have a microchip in the UK.
What is a microchip and will it hurt my dog?
It is an easy and simple procedure.
A microchip is about the same size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin at the scruff of a dog’s neck.
Each microchip has a 15-digit code which is unique to the pet and can be read through a special scanner.
Why is the new law being introduced?
The new legislation is designed to prevent illegal breeding of dogs, bring owners to account for a dog’s aggressive behaviour and reunite lost pets with their rightful owners quickly.
Dr Huw Stacey from Vets4Pets said: “The statistics show, the vast majority of dog owners are caring and responsible when it comes to pet welfare and their dogs are highly likely to be microchipped.
“By adding a traceable element to all dogs it will help lost or stolen pets be reunited with their owner.
“It is also vital that all owners keep their contact details up-to-date on a microchip database. Previous research has shown some pets cannot be returned to their owner because the chip has incomplete or inaccurate data.”
Where can I get my dog microchipped?
You can arrange for your local vet to microchip your dog, prices will vary however they’ll usually charge around £15.
Some local animal charities and organisations, as well as some local authorities, also offer microchipping - some will offer it for free.
Dogs Trust has donated a number of chips to Sevenoaks Council allowing free microchipping to be offered to residents on a first come first served basis.
For more information or to arrange for your pet to be microchipped, click here or call 01732 227000.
How can I find out if my dog is microchipped?
To find out if your dog is microchipped, or to find out the microchip number, take your pet along to your local vet and have it scanned.
Once you have the microchip number, you can use a chip checker online to find out who your dog is registered with.
What if I don’t get my dog microchipped?
If your dog isn’t microchipped and/or registered on an approved database then you could be served with a notice ordering you to microchip your dog. You’ll have 21 days to do so or you may be liable to pay a £500 fine and could face criminal prosecution.
If your contact details change and you don’t update your details on the database, then you could also receive a notice and may be liable to pay a fine of £500.
What about my cat and other pets?
Legally, only dogs will be required to be microchipped but it is sensible to microchip a cat or rabbit too.
Did you know…
Whippets are the least likely dog to be microchipped, according to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home which last year saw 70 per cent of Whippets arrive at the animal charity without a vital microchip.
The second most likely dog to arrive at one of the home’s three centres without a microchip was the Lurcher (46 per cent), followed in third by the golden retriever (40 per cent).
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