Under Irish Law, all dogs need to be microchipped, yet less than half of the country’s dogs have had this done.
This week is the first Nationwide Microchipping Awareness Campaign, run by Dogs Trust. The campaign runs from the 13th – 19th of August in association with Government approved microchipping database Fido. Although it has been a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped, registered with a government approved database and be in possession of an up-to-date Microchipping Certificate since April 2016, Fido estimates less than half of dogs are fully compliant with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015. Last year, only 25%* of stray dogs entering Irish Pounds were reunited with their owners, however Dogs Trust believes through microchipping and correct registration, this figure could be greatly improved.
Dogs Trust want to ensure that every dog in Ireland can be swiftly returned to their owners should they become lost or separated from them. That is why this year they have been offering free microchipping clinics at selected Maxi Zoo stores as well as helping to organise a Microchip Certificate Amnesty for dog owners across the country.
Free Chipping Clinics have been taking place at the following Maxi Zoo stores:
- Tallaght – Thursday August 16th
- Finglas – Friday August 17th
- As well as these free chipping clinics, I am personally involved in doing a “cheap chipping for charity” event at the Maxizoo store in Gorey (our new GoreyBrayVet clinic is close to this store, in Gorey). This will happen on Saturday August 18th between 1 and 4pm, and while it is not “free” – a charge of €25 will be made for each animal chipped – the profits of the afternoon are being donated to animal charities.
If you have a dog or cat that you want to be chipped on Saturday in Gorey, call the Gorey Maxizoo store on 0539430349 to book a slot
Dogs Trust is also offering free microchipping certificates to dog owners who have their dogs’ microchipped but do not yet have a certificate. Those who need to update their current certificate with their new contact details can also avail of the free Microchipping Certificate Amnesty here. It normally costs around €15 to have a certificate of this type issued.
If you are unsure of your dog’s microchip number, visit your local veterinary practice and ask to have your dog scanned with a microchip reader.
Remember if you change address or phone number, or transfer ownership of your dog, you must update your details straight away with your dog’s microchip database provider.
By the way, the kittens featuring in the video are still looking for a home: we want them to go to the same home, as the two of them are great friends. Call Brayvet on 012821909 if you are interested.
You can watch the video by clicking on the link below.
Please note that I am unable to answer veterinary questions in comments. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health it is always better to contact your vet.