I’m a pet parent living with my dogs and cats in the UAE. It’s required by law to have your dog or cat microchipped. At some point, being an expat, I’ll move on to a different country. Without our fur kids having a chip registration, we won’t be able to relocate them.
What Is a Pet Microchip?
Microchipping your dog or cat can be done by any vet. It involves a tiny rice-sized microchip implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between their shoulder blades. This normally doesn’t cause any pain for your pet but may cause a little discomfort for a short time. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a handheld device (microchip scanner). This unique number can help reunite you with your lost dog or cat and help if your pet is stolen. If your pet is microchipped, your information is usually stored with your registered vet and the municipality (check if this applies in your Emirate).
The Cost and Benefits
Getting a cat microchipped or a dog is relatively inexpensive and is done by your preferred vet. The chip acts as proof of ownership should someone find your missing cat or dog. Reuniting lost kitties and lost dogs helps reduce the stray population and animals suffering needlessly on the streets. It also reduces the risk of your pet being euthanised should it be trapped by pest control or taken to a kill shelter and is not claimed (usually within eight days, sometimes less).
