Pet Microchipping
Ensuring the safety and security of your pet is a top priority for any pet owner. At Abbeyville Veterinary Hospital in Cork, we offer comprehensive pet microchipping services to help you keep track of your furry friends.
Understanding Pet Microchipping
Pet microchipping involves inserting a tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under your pet’s skin, usually at the back of the neck. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner, allowing authorities or veterinary staff to identify the pet and retrieve the owner’s contact information from a database. This process is quick, minimally invasive, and provides lifelong identification for your pet.
Why Microchipping
Under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015, it is now obligatory for all dogs in Ireland to be microchipped. This regulation ensures that all dogs can be identified and traced back to their owners, which helps reduce the number of lost or abandoned dogs. At Abbeyville Veterinary Hospital, we emphasize the importance of dog microchipping to comply with legal requirements and enhance your dog’s safety.
While dog microchipping is legally required, we also strongly recommend microchipping for cats. Cats are naturally curious animals and often wander far from home. A microchip ensures that if your cat gets lost, they can be quickly identified and returned to you.
The Microchipping Process
The process of dog microchipping is straightforward and can be completed during a regular visit to our veterinary hospital. We start with a brief consultation to explain the procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have. The microchip is inserted under your dog’s skin using a simple injection, which is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Once the microchip is in place, we will register your dog’s unique identification number and contact details in a national database.
Benefits of Pet Microchipping
Providing your pet with a balanced and appropriate diet has numerous benefits. Good nutrition can:
- Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip provides permanent identification that lasts a lifetime.
- Quick Reunification: If your pet gets lost, a microchip allows animal shelters, veterinarians, and authorities to quickly identify them and contact you, increasing the chances of a quick and safe return.
- Proof of Ownership: A microchip provides indisputable proof of ownership, which can be crucial in cases of theft or disputes over ownership.
- Compliance with Regulations: For dog owners, microchipping ensures compliance with legal requirements, avoiding potential fines and complications.