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Did you know that pet theft is one of Britain's fastest growing crimes. This along with lost and straying animals are excellent reasons to make sure your animal is registered to you - especially during this hot weather, when more animals are going missing as doors and windows are being left open to combat the heat.
What is a microchip and how does it work?
It's a device hardly bigger than a grain of rice that's inserted under the loose skin, typically between the shoulder blades. It has a unique numercial code, containing both animal's and owner's details, which are entered into the national database.
If your animal goes missing and is handed in, most vets, local authority dog wardens and animal welfare groups can scan the chip with a hand-held scanner. This would read the code and identitfy you pet on the database, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All that's left is to call you and reunite you with your pet.
Although we commonly chip pets like dogs and cats, most animals can be implanted, including fish, birds and small mammals. We can even identichip reptiles such as lizards, as well as snakes and tortoises.
Whoever microchips your pet should only use pre-packed sterile chips that comply with International Standards. We also use the Petlog Database, which is part of the European Pet Network, so if your pet goes missing in Europe, they can still be traced.
In an emergency please telephone (01793) 522483 (24hrs).
Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 4RW.
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