Battersea successfully reunites hundreds of lost pets with their owners each year, and it's microchipping that makes many of these reunions possible.
WHAT IS A MICROCHIP?
A microchip is a tiny device inserted under the skin of your pet, which contains a unique code that links your pet to you through an online database. A microchip can be inserted by a vet in a simple, quick and painless procedure. Rescue centres, animal wardens and vets can all scan for a microchip to identify a cat and their owner.
WHY SHOULD I GET MY CAT MICROCHIPPED?
As of March 2023, cats in England must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks. All cat owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024.
Microchipping your cat gives you the best chance of being reunited with them if they go missing. At Battersea we microchip every animal we rehome.
HOW DO I GET MY CAT MICROCHIPPED?
Cats and kittens born before this year have not been required by law to have a microchip, and as such, if you got your cat before the new legislation, they may not be chipped. To find out if your cat has a microchip already, you can ask your vet to scan them. If they don’t have a microchip, you can ask your vet to chip them, which usually costs a small fee to cover the cost of the chip and the vet’s time.
Getting a microchip inserted is quick and relatively painless, and your cat will be able to go straight home after the procedure.
HOW DO I UPDATE MY CAT'S MICROCHIP DETAILS?
It's very important to keep your cat's chip details up to date with the correct contact details so you can be contacted should your pet ever go missing. Updating your details will cost a small fee and you can do this online, by telephone or post with the database that your pet is registered to. If you've forgotten your cat’s microchip number, you can ask your vet to scan your cat. All Battersea cats are microchipped with Petlog who can be contacted on 01296 336 579.
Find out what to do if you have lost your cat.
