Dominique
Microchipping is a small procedure with big benefits for a pet. At the Haags Dierencentrum, we often see how important a chip is for quickly reuniting lost animals with their owners. In this blog, you can read exactly what microchipping involves, why it is so important, and how we handle this for the animals that enter our shelter.
What is microchipping?
A chip is a small, round tube the size of a grain of rice with a microchip inside. This is inserted under the animal’s skin with a sterile needle, usually between the shoulder blades. It is a short procedure that is minimally painful: animals usually react for a moment, but it is done in no time and can be performed while the animal is awake.
Why microchip your pet?
The main reason to chip an animal is so it can be found faster if it gets lost. For dogs, microchipping has been mandatory in the Netherlands since April 1, 2013. For cats, microchipping is only mandatory if they travel abroad, but it is also highly recommended for cats.
How do we do it at the Haags Dierencentrum?
At the Haags Dierencentrum, we always check if an animal has a chip upon arrival. If the animal is not yet chipped, we make sure this is done. We register the chip immediately with the NDG (Dutch Pet Database) in the name of the Haags Dierencentrum, including our phone number. This can also be done with other databases. At the moment the animal is adopted, we transfer the registration to the name of the new owner. This way, we ensure that animal and owner can be quickly reunited if necessary.
Please note: we only chip and register animals that come in through our shelter. The Haags Dierencentrum does not chip animals from external owners.
Why registration is so important
A chip alone is not enough. If the chip is not registered or the contact details are not up to date, it is difficult to find the owner. Are you moving or do you have a new phone number? Then update your details as soon as possible with the database where your animal is registered.
Animals without a chip in the shelter
Animals without a chip stay in the shelter for at least two weeks. During that period, the owner is given the chance to find the animal. We also report these animals to Amivedi, a national organization for missing and found animals. After two weeks without a response, we look for a new home.
How do you check if your animal is registered?
Via chipnummer.nl, you can easily check if your animal’s chip is registered. Is that not the case? Then register the chip immediately with an official database such as the NDG.
Microchipping is a small action with a big impact
Microchipping your pet is a short and minimally painful procedure. The benefits are great: the chance of an animal being found quickly is much higher, and it prevents a lot of stress for both the animal and the owner.
