BVA & BSAVA reassure dog owners microchipping is safe

5 April 2016

In light of microchipping law coming into place on 6 April national newspapers recently published stories discouraging owners from getting small dogs microchipped.

Responding to the media coverage in a joint statement, BVA and BSAVA said: “We are shocked by the scaremongering and irresponsible headlines urging people to avoid getting their dogs microchipped and to break the law that will come into effect across the UK from Wednesday.

“We’d like to reassure all dog owners that microchipping is a routine and harmless procedure that provides your pet with a form of identification that can last a lifetime.

“For vets, your pet’s welfare is their primary concern and if they think that microchipping could have an adverse effect on your dog’s health – for example, because of existing ill-health – then they can issue an exemption certificate, but this is not a decision that dog owners should be taking themselves. Adverse reactions to microchipping are incredibly rare and while temporary inflammation could occur or migration of the microchip might take place over time these are uncommon and harmless possibilities.

“Very few veterinary surgeons ever see an adverse outcome of microchipping, while many see heartbroken pet owners whose dog has been lost and finding them has been delayed due to lack of a microchip. Last year, 7 in 10 vets could not reunite a dog with its owners because it didn’t have an identifier.

“A microchip that is implanted properly at your local veterinary practice and then checked during your pet’s regular vet visits can save lives as well as emotional heart ache for owners.&”

BSAVA has produced new microchipping guidelines for members that you can access here :