Microchipping your cat in Swindon is a reliable and permanent identification system. It entails the implantation of a tiny chip, no larger than a grain of rice, beneath your pet's skin, usually in the scruff area. Each microchip possesses a distinct and exclusive number. This number can be effortlessly read using a portable scanner, a tool readily available at most veterinary clinics, local authorities, rescue homes, and, of course, at Eastcott Vets, Swindon. This accessibility allows for swift retrieval of your contact details from the central microchipping database.
Should your cat ever go missing or become separated from you, their microchip holds the key to a swift reunion. A simple scan of the microchip at your local Swindon vet clinic or shelter can swiftly identify your pet. Once identified, a single phone call can bring you back together with your cherished companion. With over 25 years of experience in feline care, Eastcott Vets are your trusted partner for cat microchipping. Our team of veterinarians and staff are dedicated to the well-being of your beloved pets.
Cat Microchipping Services With Eastcott Vets in Swindon
At Eastcott Vets in Swindon, we strongly recommend cat microchipping, especially if your feline friend enjoys the outdoors. Even indoor cats can unexpectedly wander, but for those who spend time outdoors, a microchip becomes a vital tool in ensuring a prompt reunion in case of loss or accidents. Additionally, it's essential to note that if you plan to travel overseas with your pet, they must be microchipped and possess a valid pet passport.
Ensure your cat's safety and peace of mind by choosing cat microchipping at Eastcott Vets, Swindon, today. Find out more about our Prices & Offers.
Why Microchip Your Cat?
Whether you've recently welcomed a kitten into your Swindon home or adopted an older cat, prioritising their well-being is paramount. Here's why microchipping your cat should be at the top of your to-do list:
- Swift Identification: Microchipping provides your cat with the best chance of being identified and swiftly returned to you if they ever go missing or are stolen. It's your feline friend's ticket home. Ensure your peace of mind and your cat’s safe return with the help of a microchip!
- Safety and Reliability: Microchips are incredibly safe, easy to implant, and highly effective. Unlike collars and ID tags, microchips don't come off or get lost, ensuring your cat's identification is always with them, offering a permanent ID solution!
- No Risk of Injury: Worried about collars and tags posing a risk to your cat's safety? Microchips are a worry-free alternative, as they don't put your beloved pet at risk of injury.
- Quick & Painless: The procedure is quick and virtually painless for your pet.
- Affordable: A small investment for a lifetime of security. This investment is made even more affordable by our Cat Pet Health for Life Plans. These plans include microchipping as a part of their list of benefits. Cover the cost of microchipping your cats by signing up for our monthly Pet Health for Life Plans today. Find out more!
- Avoid Fines: As of June 10th, 2024, microchipping your cat is now a legal requirement in the UK. Don’t risk fines, book your cat’s microchipping appointment at Eastcott Vets in Swindon today!
Give your cat the ultimate gift of protection and peace of mind. Microchipping is a simple, safe, and reliable way to ensure that your furry companion can always find their way back to you.
Is Cat Microchipping Compulsory?
While microchipping your cat isn't currently compulsory, important changes are on the horizon. On March 13, 2023, the UK Government announced that all pet cats in England must be microchipped by June 10, 2024. You will have a grace period of 21 days to ensure your cat is microchipped to comply with this new regulation. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to £500.
At Eastcott Vets, Swindon, we understand the significance of this regulation and are here to assist you in meeting these requirements. Your cat's safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are committed to helping you navigate these important changes in pet ownership regulations.
What Is Microchipping?
A microchip is a tiny, rice-sized device implanted under your cat's skin. It contains a unique ID number linked to your contact information. If your cat ever gets lost, a quick scan at a vet clinic or shelter can reunite you with your feline friend.
How Does Microchipping Work?
Curious about how microchipping works? It's a simple and effective process that can make all the difference if your cat ever goes missing.
Here's how it works:
Microchip Implantation
A small microchip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, is gently inserted under your cat's skin. This procedure is typically performed by your veterinarian, a local authority, or a trained and insured member of an animal welfare organisation. Rest assured, it's a quick and painless experience for your pet.
Unique Identification
The microchip contains a unique code that is exclusive to your cat. Think of it as their personal identification number.
Reuniting Lost Cats
If, for any reason, your cat goes missing and is found by a good Samaritan or taken to a vet clinic or shelter, the microchip becomes their lifeline. A microchip scanner is used to read the code on the chip. This code is then matched to your contact details, which are securely stored in a cat microchip database.
By ensuring your cat is microchipped, you provide them with a reliable way to be reunited with you in the event they get lost or separated from home. It's a simple yet powerful tool for keeping your feline friend safe and secure.
The Microchipping Procedure for Your Cat
The microchipping procedure is straightforward and minimally invasive. Sedation is not necessary, as it is similar to administering an injection. It can often be done during a routine consultation.
Cat Microchipping Process
1. Consultation: Schedule an appointment for a consultation with our experts.
2. Implantation: We'll implant the microchip in a quick, painless procedure.
3. Registration: We'll ensure your contact information is registered in the national pet recovery database.
4. Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing your cat is protected.
The Permanence of Cat Microchipping
Microchipping your Cat is a permanent identification system designed to bring peace of mind to pet owners. It involves the insertion of a tiny chip, no larger than a grain of rice, under your pet's skin, typically in the scruff of their neck. This ID system remains with your cat throughout their lifetime.
Each microchip contains a unique number that can be read using a portable scanner. Most veterinarians, including all Eastcott Vets branches in Swindon, local authorities, and rescue homes, have access to these scanners. The central microchipping database stores your contact details, allowing them to be easily retrieved when needed. This means that a simple phone call can often reunite you with your cat once their microchip has been scanned and their identity confirmed.
Don't Remember If Your Cat Is Microchipped? No Problem!
If you're unsure whether your cat has been microchipped, your vet can easily check using a scanner. At Eastcott Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, Swindon, we're more than happy to scan your cat to verify the presence of a working microchip. Rest assured; we always check for a working chip before considering implanting a new one.
Remember to keep your registration documents and your cat's microchip number safe and accessible. This information is crucial for ensuring your cat's safety and a swift reunion if ever needed.
Keeping Your Cat's Microchip Information Up-to-Date
During your cat's microchipping appointment, you will be asked to complete a registration form. Your details will then be submitted to a national database by a member of the Eastcott Vets team. These details are securely stored for your cat's entire lifetime, and this service is included in the initial cost of implantation.
For the microchip to be most effective, it's essential to update any changes to your contact details as soon as possible. All of our microchips at Eastcott Vets, Swindon, comply with the International Standard (ISO), making them recognisable even when scanned abroad, making them ideal for use in the Pet Passport scheme.
How to Update Your Cat's Microchip Information
"What if I move home or change my phone number?" Keeping your cat's microchip details up to date is essential for ensuring a quick reunion in case they ever get lost. Unfortunately, many cats are not reunited with their owners simply because their contact information is outdated. Here are three easy steps for keeping your cat's microchip information current:
1. Get Your Cat's Microchip Number: Make sure you have your cat's microchip number readily available. Not sure where to find it? Here's how:
- Contact Your Vet: Reach out to your veterinarian to see if they have the microchip number in their records. They can provide you with this crucial information.
- Visit the Vet: If you don't have the number, schedule a visit to the vet to have your cat scanned. They'll be able to retrieve the microchip number for you.
2. Identify the Microchip Brand: If you've lost your original paperwork or need to verify your cat's details, you can often check the microchip brand using Petlog's convenient lookup tool.
3. Update Your Information: Now that you have your cat's microchip number and know the brand they are registered with, it's time to update your contact details. Here's how:
- Contact the Microchip Brand: Reach out to the microchip brand either by calling them or visiting their website.
- Provide Updated Information: Share your new contact information, including your current address and phone number. This ensures that if your cat ever goes missing, you can be easily contacted.
Don't delay—take these simple steps to keep your cat's microchip information accurate and ensure their safety and speedy return to you if needed. This is especially important if you move home or your contact details have changed. After an initial move, cats may find it more difficult to find their way back to their new Swindon home. Ensuring their microchip information is up to date is your best chance at a successful and swift reunion!
Book a Cat Microchipping Appointment in Swindon
Don't wait to ensure your cat's safety and security. To book a cat microchipping appointment in Swindon or to learn more about the process, please speak to one of our friendly team members at one of our three Eastcott Vets practices by calling the Swindon branch nearest to you. Or, book your appointment online!
For any inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Ensure your cat's safety and security with our professional cat microchipping services. Schedule an appointment now to protect your feline companion for a lifetime.
