New Cat Microchipping Law: Don’t Get Fined – Act Now!
June 18, 2024
The deadline for microchipping your cat in England has come and gone, but there’s still time to comply! Nurture wants to ensure all cat owners in Somerset are aware of the recent legal changes – as of June 10th, 2024, all cats over 20 weeks old MUST be microchipped by law.
Schedule your cat’s microchip appointment
Why has the law changed?
Sadly, many cats are involved in road accidents, become lost or stolen, or get injured while away from home. Not having a microchip makes it difficult (and often impossible) to identify our feline friends, especially as collars and tags can break or be removed. The UK Government has made a significant move towards enhancing the safety of England’s cats with this new regulation and it has been warmly welcomed by pet owners across the country.
Don’t risk a fine
You have 21 days from June 10th to comply with the new regulation and avoid a potential £500 fine. Schedule your cat’s microchipping appointment with our experienced cat vets at Wells or Weston – connect with us now to book.
What is a cat microchip and how does it work?
A cat microchip is a tiny implant, about the size of a grain of rice, inserted under your cat’s skin between their shoulder blades. It’s a relatively painless procedure, similar to a vaccination. The microchip itself doesn’t contain any personal information; instead, it holds a unique identification number.
This unique number is linked to a DEFRA compliant national database that stores your contact information as the cat’s owner. When a lost cat is scanned by a vet or animal shelter with a microchip reader, the ID number is retrieved. The database is then used to look up your contact details, allowing you to be quickly reunited with your furry friend.
Keeping your information current is crucial
The new cat microchipping law goes beyond just implanting the chip. It’s equally important to ensure your contact information linked to your cat’s microchip remains up-to-date in the DEFRA compliant national database. This allows shelters and veterinary clinics to reach you quickly if your cat is ever lost or needs emergency care. Regularly check the database and update your address, phone number, and email address whenever there’s a change. Most databases allow for online updates, making it a quick and convenient process.
Benefits of cat microchipping
Besides avoiding a potential fine, cat microchipping offers a permanent and secure solution with many benefits:
- Faster Reunions: Microchips help shelters, vets, and animal control quickly reunite lost pets with their owners.
- Theft Deterrence: Microchipped cats are less likely to be stolen, as they can be easily identified and returned – learn about the new anti-theft law for pets.
- Emergency Contact: Vets can use microchips to contact owners quickly during emergencies.
- Proof of Ownership: Microchips provide legal proof of ownership, preventing disputes.
- Travel Compliance: If your pet needs to travel overseas, a microchip meets travel regulations and ensures they can return home if lost during the trip.
Don’t wait any longer. Schedule your cat’s microchipping appointment today for their safety and your peace of mind. Our vets at Wells or Weston can implant the microchip during a regular consultation.
Schedule your cat’s microchip appointment
