Why Microchip Registration is Vital for Your Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is an incredibly exciting time. Whether you have recently welcomed a new addition from a breeder like Moorsbarrow Hall Farm Gundogs in Middlewich, or you are preparing for your first litter, ensuring your puppy is microchipped is a legal requirement in the UK. Since 2016, it has been mandatory for all dogs to be microchipped and registered on a DEFRA-approved database by the time they are eight weeks old. However, simply having the chip implanted is only half the battle. The microchip is a tiny device, roughly the size of a grain of rice, that holds a unique 15-digit identification number. Without registering this number to your personal contact details, the chip remains an empty vessel. If your dog were to go missing, a scanner would detect the chip, but without a registered database entry, there would be no way to link that number back to you.
How to Register Your Puppy on Petlog or Other Databases
Registering your puppy is a straightforward process, but it is one that must be completed promptly. When you collect your puppy, your breeder or vet will provide you with the microchip documentation, which includes the unique 15-digit ID number.
Step-by-Step Registration
- Locate Your Documentation: Ensure you have the paperwork provided at the time of implantation. This contains the specific microchip number required for the database.
- Identify the Database: Your breeder or vet will usually tell you which database the chip is registered with, such as Petlog. If you are unsure, you can use a national microchip lookup tool to identify which company holds the record for your specific number.
- Create an Online Account: Visit the official website of the database provider (e.g., Petlog). Most platforms now allow you to create an account online, which is the fastest and most secure way to manage your pet’s information.
- Input Your Details: Enter the 15-digit microchip number and your personal contact information, including your current address, phone number, and email.
- Verify and Save: Once submitted, ensure you receive a confirmation. Keeping this digital record is essential for future updates.
Keeping Your Details Up to Date
At Moorsbarrow Hall Farm Gundogs, we often remind our clients in Cheshire that registration is not a 'one-and-done' task. Your contact details are only useful if they are current. If you move house, change your phone number, or update your email address, you must log back into your microchip database account to update your records. An outdated database entry is the most common reason why lost pets cannot be reunited with their owners.
Professional Services at Moorsbarrow Hall Farm Gundogs
We understand that responsible dog ownership starts from the very beginning. Beyond our work as 5-star licensed breeders of working cocker spaniels, we are committed to the welfare of all dogs in our community. We offer professional dog microchipping services to ensure your pet is compliant with UK law from the start. Additionally, for those planning a litter, we provide dog pregnancy ultrasound scanning services to help you monitor the health and progress of your dam. If you are in the Middlewich or wider Cheshire area and need assistance with microchipping or scanning, please feel free to reach out to us. Taking these small, proactive steps today provides peace of mind for years to come, ensuring that your loyal companion is always just a scan away from being safely returned home.