Free dog micro-chipping session

RMBC and the Dogs Trust have joined forces to offer free micro-chipping at the Parish Rooms, Wales Road, Kiveton Park on June 21. 

Councillor Emma Hoddinott, RMBC’s cabinet member for waste, roads and community safety, said: “Anyone that owns a dog should be aware that the law changed on April 6, and all dogs are now legally required to have a micro-chip.

“It usually costs from £20-30 to get your pet chipped at the vets, so by coming along to one of these sessions you can save money as well as making sure your pet is safe and legal.”

Dogs taking part must be at least 12-weeks-old and should not have been treated for fleas for at least 24 hours before they are chipped. 

Owners of puppies under six-months must also bring an up-to-date vaccination card for them. 

The free session takes place between 11am and 3pm (however the queue may be closed early if a large number of people attend with their dogs).

By law, all dogs must wear a disc which lists the owner’s surname and address, which aids with finding an owner when scanning is unavailable.

If you are on a means-tested benefit, and have photo identification, you can also get certain breeds of dogs (e.g. Staffordshire bull terrier, Japanese Akita, German shepherd, rottweiler, mastiff) neutered for just £35 – contact your local vets for more information and to find out if you qualify.

For more information on the new legal requirements, go to www.chipmydog.org.uk or www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped.