THE Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 requires all dogs over the age of eight weeks of age to be fitted with a microchip from April 6, 2016.

In order to be compliant the microchip must be correctly registered with the keeper’s contact details, explains St Boniface Vets, Crediton.

They say that more than 100,000 dogs are picked up by local authorities each year and less than half of these dogs are re-united with their owners.

Don’t let this be your dog!

A microchip is the most effective way of ensuring you are reunited with your pet should he or she go missing.

If a stray dog is found, the vet practice or local authority, can use the unique number encoded on the microchip to find the owner’s details on the national database.

Unfortunately, many owners forget to update their pet’s microchip details when they move home or change their telephone number rendering it useless.

Remember, in order to remain compliant with the new law your dog’s microchip information must be kept up-to-date.

Implanting a microchip is a low risk procedure and takes seconds to perform.

The microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted, using a sterile needle, under the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades.

Soft toys can be microchipped too!

Have your children or grandchildren ever lost their precious cuddly companion?

As part of St Boniface Vets Microchip Awareness Campaign, the practice is also offering you the opportunity to get your teddy bear, cuddly or soft toy microchipped too! (helping him or her to make a safe return home).

For every toy that is microchipped, St Boniface Vets will make a contribution to the R D & E Neonatal Unit; where several St Boniface staff members babies had a helping hand in their first few days of life.

If you would like to take part, please call the practice on 01363 772860 and book an appointment today.