Did you know that more than 70,000 pets have been reported missing in the United Kingdom? Microchipping is a solution that many pet owners seek comfort in, because this identifying integrated circuit can be used to identify any animal, so long as it has the circuit placed under its skin. Another service from vets in County Durham that is growing in popularity is the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which enables animals to travel with their owners! If you’re considering either one of these services, read on for the facts.
How Do Microchipping and Pet Passports Work?
Microchipping is a type of basic technology designed to reunite lost pets with their owners. The chip is slightly larger than a grain of rice and relies on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Once scanned, the chip’s contact information can be read, and the owner notified. Normally, the vets in County Durham will insert the microchip between the shoulder blades or at the back of the neck. Pet passports on the other hand are documents detailing animal information, such as its name, date of birth and vaccination information. With this document, the animal can travel to various countries without quarantine restrictions.
The Benefits of Microchipping
The majority of dog owners living in the UK get their pet microchipped with assistance from vets in County Durham. By March 1st, 2015, microchipping will be compulsory in Wales and soon, it will be compulsory in England, too. With a microchip, all puppies can be traced back to their breeder, which reduces the risks of puppy farming. What’s more, it lowers the chances of animal cruelty and theft, and allows an emergency vet to get in touch with the animal’s owner prior to emergency procedures taking place.
The Benefits of Pet Passports
Having a dog in the family means you can benefit from constant companionship. As an animal lover, you will likely consider Fido part of the family and want to take him or her on group holidays. With a pet passport, this is possible. The official registration document is only required when the animal travels abroad, and can be obtained for dogs aged three months and older. Before the document is issued the animal must be treated with tapeworm treatment, before he or she is able to travel to another country with you.
Ashfield Veterinary Surgery provides best possible routine & emergency veterinary care, vaccinations for your domestic pets, farm animals & horses in Durham & County Durham.
