Perro con veterinario

 

 

How can I get my dog’s chip number?

The microchip number is unique to each dog and is linked to the Spanish Pet Identification Network (REIAC)database, to make it easier to identify. When a vet implants a microchip in a dog, a record is made of the unique number associated with the animal and the owner’s details, such as name, address, telephone number and ID number, along with information about the animal: name, age, breed and health card or passport number. These data are registered in the database of the corresponding Autonomous Community so the owner can be located in the event of loss by means of a microchip reader that vets, the police and the Civil Guard have.

 

If you don’t remember the number or need to check it, here are the ways to do it:

 

 

Check the pet’s registration card or passport

When the vet microchips the dog, the number is written on the dog’s medical record or passport. Checking these documents is the first step to quickly and easily obtain this information.

With a microchip reader

Another way to verify the chip number is to use a microchip reader that can directly scan the dog’s chip. There’s no need to have this device at home, as vets always have one at their disposal and can take the reading in a matter of seconds.

mascota-basico-se-hace-mayor

When is it necessary to know a dog’s microchip number?

Having your dog’s microchip number on hand can be of vital importance in a number of situations. Here are the most common cases:

Microchipping your dog is not just mandatory under the Animal Welfare Act, it is of utmost importance because it allows you to locate your dog if it gets lost or runs away, it prevents theft by alerting vets if the animal is listed as missing in the database, and it helps to combat abandonment by identifying the owner and allowing legal action to be taken if need be. Many shelters house animals that could have been returned to their owners if they had been microchipped. 

If you find a lost dog, the microchip number is key to finding the owner. By scanning it, the vet or the authorities can access the database and get in touch with the owner. This is the only way to know for sure whose animal it is and it’s certainly the quickest way.

When you move to another Autonomous Community, you need to update the microchip data in the local database. This ensures that, in the event of loss or emergency, your dog can be correctly identified in its new place of residence.

If you decide to assign or transfer ownership of your dog, the change of ownership will need to be recorded in the database. For this purpose, the microchip number is of utmost importance, as it links the new owner to the pet.

Some dog insurance policies require the microchip number as part of the contracting process. This allows the dog to be identified and accurately record its details, ensuring that the most appropriate and personalised coverage is provided.

To sum up, microchipping is much more than just a legal requirement; it is of utmost importance when it comes to protecting your dog at all stages of its life. It’s therefore important to make sure that this information is always kept up to date and on hand.