Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I microchip my pet?
Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by charities and rescue centres across the UK. Some of these animals never make it home because they can't be identified.
Microchipping offers pet owners the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner. If you want to dramatically improve your pet's chances of getting home fast and safe, implanting your pet with a microchip is your best option.
My dog always wears a collar and tags why do I need to microchip it?
Collars and tags can be removed or get lost and tattooing can become illegible over time. Microchips are the only truly permanent method of identifying your dog. It lasts for the lifetime of the pet.
I have a cat – should I microchip it?
Cats are naturally curious and unpredictable. In the event that your cat strays away from the safety of your home a microchip registered with Pet Protect Microchip ID is your cat's best chance of a fast return.
Does microchipping hurt the animal?
Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted by a vet just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle and is painless to pets. Most animals don't even react when the microchip is implanted. Once implanted the microchip remains between the shoulder blades just beneath the skin for the rest of the animal's lifetime, becoming a permanent form of identification.
Where can I get my pet microchipped?
Ask at your local vet to microchip your pet for you – tell them that you would prefer to have a Pet Protect Microchip ID microchip. In the event that they use a different brand of microchip you should still register your pet's microchip with Pet Protect Microchip ID – the only full service lost pet recovery network that provides free registration for all brands of microchips in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
What should I do if my pet goes missing?
Call Pet Protect Microchip ID immediately on 0800 077 8558. The Lost Pet Recovery Specialists on duty will complete a lost pet report and check for any corresponding pets found in our extensive database. In the event that we locate your pet we will help to arrange a quick reunion between you and your pet with our DirectConnect service.
If my pet is found by an individual how will they know to call Pet Protect?
In the event that your pet is not wearing the tag, or if the tag is broken, scratched or weathered, the finder should contact a vet or local authority. They will ask that the pet be brought to them so it can be scanned for a microchip and the right owner is contacted.
What happens if my pet is taken to a veterinary practice or rescue centre?
All animals that are brought into a vet practice or rescue centre are routinely scanned for a microchip. In the event that a microchip is present, the staff will know to contact Pet Protect. When we match your pet's microchip to your contact information we will call and inform you that your pet has been found and help you arrange a reunion.
Is that the letter O or a numerical zero at the beginning of my microchip ID?
There are no letter O's in any Microchip ID it is ALWAYS a numerical zero.
If my pet is lost how does the chip work?
The microchip holds a unique identification number. This number is also stored in our database linking it to the owner's contact information, pet details and the pet's vet information. When your pet is found we can contact you within moments and reunite you with your pets. Vet practices, rescue centres and local authorities nationwide scan each found pet as a standard procedure, and should a Pet Protect microchip be detected, we will be alerted straightaway. Your information can be quickly found and you will be called immediately. Pet ownership cannot be changed on our system without your written consent, so you can rest assured that your pet can be returned to you.
What if I'm not available when you make a call?
If we cannot reach you, we will leave a voicemail and contact your emergency contact or current vet practice to check your details are up to date as well. In that time, we ask the finder of your pet to keep it safe. If they cannot do that, we will ask them to take it to a local authority, a dog warden, a vet practice or a rescue centre. There, your pet will be scanned for a microchip and staff will contact us to confirm the pet is now with them.
Isn't the microchip a GPS device?
Pet microchips are not GPS devices. The location of a lost pet cannot be searched using a microchip.
How long will a microchip last? Do they get replaced?
The microchips used to identify pets will last a lifetime. Once they are implanted in a pet, they will help identify that pet during its lifetime and won't need to be replaced.
What other measures can I take to make sure my pet will be returned if they go missing?
Your pet should always wear the Pet Protect identification collar tag you received when you had your pet implanted with our microchip. The collar tag is the first line of contact if your pet ever becomes lost. Your pet's microchip is like insurance meaning they are easily identified if they lose their collar and/or tags. If your pet is lost, the combination of the collar tag and microchip will help get them home fast and safe. Also read our lost pet recovery tips.
Are pets ever allergic to microchips?
Pet Protect microchips are biocompatible. This means that they are designed to be compatible with a pet's body tissue and not cause an allergic reaction when professionally implanted.
Does the microchip ever move in the body?
Pet Protect microchips are encapsulated in biocompatible glass to prevent any move or migration effect. When implanted by a veterinary professional, there is very little chance of the microchip moving.
How old does my pet have to be for a microchip?
Any pet over 12 weeks old can be microchipped.
Are Pet Protect microchips suitable for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)?
Yes, they are. All our microchips are ISO 11784/85 compliant, meaning they can be read by any universal scanner. This means they will be allowed re-entry to the UK after travelling to Europe.