Identity Tags & Microchips

For Dogs

Do I need an identity tag on my dog?

Yes. It is a legal requirement for your dog to wear a tag with your name and address on it.

For Cats

There is no legal requirement for cats to wear a tag.

Are tags or microchips better?

It is OK for your pet to wear both. At Yorkshire Vets we strongly recommend that all cats receive a microchip. The obvious problem with tags is that they can easily be lost. Microchips are a permanent way of identifying your pet.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small marker about the size of a grain of rice. It is injected under the skin on the back of the neck. Each chip carries a unique number that can be read using a special scanner.

How do people know that the dog is mine?

All microchips allow the address and details of the pet to be recorded on the national pet register.

Vets, dog wardens and animal rescue organisations scan all stray animals and can then contact a central computer to obtain the owner’s details. Being able to contact you quickly in an emergency can sometimes be life saving for your pet.

How do I get my pet microchipped?

A microchip can be implanted during a routine appointment or while your pet is under anaesthetic for another reason.

***Click to change your pet’s details******if you move house***