A microchip is a very effective tool in helping reunite lost dogs with their owners.

A tiny microchip, the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the dog's skin between the shoulder blades where it will sit painlessly for life. It cannot be seen or moved but it could ensure that if you do lose your dog you would be able to get it back.

A scanner is used to read the information on the microchip. Vets have scanners and our dog wardens carry them in their vans. It will ensure that if your dog is found by one of the dog wardens they will be able to contact you to let you know where your dog is.

By law all dogs must wear a collar and tag with their owner's name and address on it. Your dog's tag could fall off or he could get out of the house when you've taken the collar off. Microchips allow your dog to be identified easily, painlessly and permanently.

However, very occasionally a scanner may not work so it is very important to remember to always keep a collar and tag on your pet as well - just in case your dog is one of the very few whose chip is not read

Braintree District Council's Dog Wardens work in partnership with local vets and the RSPCA to increase the number of dogs permanently identified through microchipping.

Figures show that since the dog warden's have been actively organising and promoting Mirochipping events throughout the district, a 41.65% reduction in the need to re-home unclaimed dogs has been achieved. However, the dog wardens are still required to find new homes for approx 50 dogs per year, this figure could be greatly reduced if these dog owners had their pets microchipped. Since the start of the dog warden's campaign they have encouraged over 500 owners to get their pets microchiped.

If you require advice or further information, you can contact us:

By Phone: 01376 551414 ext 2217

By Fax: 01376 557767

By Email - csc@braintree.gov.uk