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Microchipping your pet

Your pet should be identified at all times; in fact all dogs are required by law to wear a collar and ID tag, so if your dog goes astray, you can be reunited with it quickly.  Here's how you can identify your pet.

Microchipping

  • Ensure your dog or cat is microchipped.  This is a very simple and painless procedure, and can be done by your local vet.  It should cost between £20 and £50. Or, you could bring your pet to Battersea for a microchip during our opening hours. We charge £15 for this service.
  • Each microchip has a unique number which is held in a central database with your name, address and telephone numbers, so if the animal is found and scanned, you can be contacted.  It is a very efficient and the only permanent form of ID, and most animal welfare organisations, animal wardens and vets hold scanners to check for microchips.
  • In 2010 only 32% of dogs and 17% of cats coming into Battersea were microchipped. 
  • If your pet is microchipped, don't forget to inform Petlog, who manage the central database, if you move house or change any details including your mobile phone number.  You will receive details on how to do this when the animal is microchipped.  Petlog can be contacted on 0844 4633 999 or visit www.petlog.org.uk

Collar and tag

  • All dogs and cats should wear a collar with an identification tag at all times.  ID tags attached to a collar cost very little, are easily replaced if they get lost or your details change, and the details are immediately available to anyone who finds the lost pet. 
  • It is a legal requirement for your dog to wear a collar with a tag at all times, and you could get fined if the dog is found without a collar and tag.
  • Elasticated cat collars mean the cat is identified, but won't injure itself if the collar gets caught.

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Relevant documents to download

Registered charity No. 206394