Pet Microchipping at
Croí na Mara Vets

Pet Microchipping at Croí na Mara Vets

A microchip is the only permanent way to identify your dog or cat, and it gives you peace of mind that if your pet ever goes missing, they can be traced back to you.

The Law on Microchipping in Ireland

Since March 2016, every dog in Ireland must be microchipped by law. This applies to all dogs over 12 weeks of age, whether they are a family pet, a working dog, or a rescue.

Failure to microchip your dog can result in a fine. While there is currently no legal requirement to microchip cats in Ireland, we strongly recommend it. Cats are natural explorers and can easily wander further than expected.

How It Works

A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just under the skin between your pet's shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, takes only a few seconds, and your pet will barely notice it. No anaesthetic is needed. Each chip has a unique number that is linked to your contact details on a national database.

If your pet ever goes missing and is found by a vet, rescue organisation, or dog warden, they can scan the chip and contact you immediately. It is the single most reliable way to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Keeping Your Details Up to Date

At Croi na Mara Vets in Briarhill and Oranmore, our microchipping service includes implanting the chip and registering your details on a recognised national database. The chip itself lasts the lifetime of your pet and does not need replacing.

However, a microchip is only as useful as the information attached to it. If your contact details change, whether that is a new phone number, a new address, or a change of ownership, it is essential to update the database. We see cases where lost pets are found and scanned, but the details on the chip are out of date and the owner cannot be reached.