Yes! Anyone advertising a dog for sale or supply MUST clearly display the dog's microchip number in the advert. This is a legal requirement, please see HERE for more information!

A microchip is a small electronic device, which is the size of a grain of rice. The microchip is coded with a unique number that can be read by a scanner. A microchip works through radio wave frequency.

Using a specially designed implanting device the microchip is injected through a sterile needle under the dog's skin.

In dogs, the microchip is implanted under the skin, between the shoulder blades.

No anaesthetic is required and the procedure should cause no more discomfort than a standard vaccination.

Once the microchip has been inserted, the dog's body tissue surrounding the microchip attaches itself, preventing movement of the chip.

The microchip is inert and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being implanted.

The computer memory in the microchip contains a unique 15 digit number - no two dogs will ever get the same number.

Apart from the number the chip contains no other information.

A radio signal transmitted from a scanner is used to read this number through the skin of your pet.

In addition to the number, the microchip generates a reliability check to guarantee that your pet's identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than a second.

After the scan the vet consults a database to find a matching number and thereby obtain the owner's contact details.

These can be found at most veterinary practices, Local Authorities and animal welfare groups. Local Authorities and animal welfare groups use scanners to check stray dogs to see if they have been microchipped.

If the dog has been microchipped he can then be returned to the owner easily and quickly.

If a dog is microchipped, the person scanning the dog will enter the dog's microchip number into the database and contact his owner.

This is why it is so important to notify your microchip database provider if you change address, mobile or landline phone number!

Most veterinary practices in Ireland can microchip your dog, along with a growing number of Local Authorities and animal welfare groups.

You can expect to pay €20-€50 to have your dog microchipped at the vet. Alternatively you may want to contact your Local Authority Dog Warden for information on any local microchipping schemes that may be running.

Dogs Trust microchips all dogs that come into our Rehoming Centre before they are rehomed.

Once injected under the skin of your dog, the microchip becomes encased by a thin layer of protein which anchors it in place for the rest of the life of your pet.

It does not pass through or out of the body.

The microchip itself has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down.

Dogs of any age can be injected with a microchip.

However you should consult your vet and ask their advice.

The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 can be found here.