Hi everyone , my boxer puppy is now 12 weeks old and the vet has asked me if i want her id chipped. Is this a good idea? has anyone had any problems??
look forward to your advise many thanks Mark Kilbride

Hi Mark

I have had both my dogs chipped since they were 12 weeks old, I have not had any problems with it at all... I think it is a fantastic idea, as long as you keep the information updated..if you move address I think it cost about £3 to update your details with the relevant people...

I'm sure if other list members have had any problems whatsoever, they will be willing to share their story...

Natasha :D

My puppies chipped she was chipped at just under 8 weeks:) I quite like the idea that she has a permanent chip implanted saying she's mine:D

Stacey x x x

Same with me Stacey, at least if they wonder off and there is any discrepency with who owns them, they can just be scanned and problem over ...

Natasha

It seems that the Data Protection Act is being brought into play by the companies that keep the records. If a new "owner" appears for a lost or stolen dog, they're not allowed to tell you where they are! And vets had been advised not to get involved either, so I don't feel quite so confident about getting a dog back just because it has a chip. It also has to be found by an honest person!:(
LynnT

I have two of my dogs chipped, I am a bit ambivalent about it really.
I do think it is a good idea on the whole but worry that should the dogs ever get out that they may be found by a dog warden or a vet who does not have a scanner, or an unscrupulous person who would not want them to be back with me.

Theresa

Microchipping & ~Microchips Still Migrate

My two are microchipped. Both at 12 weeks. One is 4 1/2yrs and one is 19 months. I just had the chips scanned today as a matter of course and both are still EXACTLY where they were when they were put in. It's a decision you have to make for yourself, but I think it is a wonderful idea.

There is no guarantee of getting a dog back if it's got tags or a tatoo either so I don't believe that is a valid argument against chipping (just my opinion).

I think chipping is great, I will wholeheartedly support it, and I will understand that some people disagree with me. But my experience has been very good.

Wendy

I have just chipped a litter of border terrier pups (7 of them at 8 weeks) not a peep was heard from any of them! All 10 of my dogs are chipped. 4 I have done myself. So far none of them have moved even those done at 7 weeks of age.
Unfortunately I am still hearing of rescue centres, including those pushing for a compulsory permanent identification system, who do not routinely scan dogs coming into their centres. If they don't check of chips they probably don't check for tattoos either!

Wendy, I didn't say it was an arguement against chipping - just pointing out it isn't as wonderful a system as I thought it was when I first heard about it. It still increases the chances that a lost dog will be reunited with its owner which has to be a good thing.:)
LynnT

Lynn - sorry wasn't aimed at you or actually anyone in particular. In several discussions on microchipping on this board and others that has been one of the 'cons' to chipping that keeps being brought up.

Yes - it's good for us to be aware that it doesn't guarantee. Wonder if there's anything we can do about changing the situation there? Anyone know?

Sorry if you thought it was directed at you:)

Wendy

Yes, Wendy, I know.:) Just thought I'd make it clear I'm not against it though. Unfortunately, as the chipping companies are protecting themselves from breaking the law, I can understand why they do this, but you'd think they could notify the police who could then confirm your details and get the dog back. The law shouldn't be used to protect the dishonest, but it seems to be the way things work at the moment! :(
LynnT