Ah, June. The sun’s making a half-hearted attempt to shine, your dog is rolling in things they definitely shouldn’t, and your cat is plotting something vaguely sinister.
And while they’re keeping busy, let’s talk about that tiny grain-of-rice-sized gadget they’re carrying around between their shoulder blades.
Yes, it’s Microchip Awareness Month, and while your pet might already be chipped, the real question is… does it still link to you?
Because here’s the thing—microchips don’t work by magic. They don’t hold your name, address, or a daily activity log detailing the location of which unsuspecting neighbours your cat has charmed into feeding them. They simply store a 15-digit number. And unless that number is registered with your up-to-date contact details on a DEFRA-approved database, your lost pet is basically carrying a mystery code to nowhere.
📢 Cats & Dogs, You’re Officially on the Grid
Microchipping has been mandatory for dogs over 8 weeks old since 2016, with most puppies already chipped by breeders before going to their new homes. It took some time for cats to catch up but it’s now been a year since microchipping became a legal requirement for all cats over 20 weeks old in England. A small change with a huge impact—ensuring more lost felines find their way home safely!
But regardless of species, if your pet’s chip isn’t properly registered or updated, it won’t help reunite you. And since both dogs and cats have a deeply ingrained talent for vanishing at precisely the worst moment, checking your microchip details should be top of your to-do list.
Working Smarter…. Priory’s Next-Gen Microchip Upgrade
At Priory, we’ve upgraded to Thermochips. These smart microchips come with extra perks beyond just identification:
✔ Accurate Temperature Readings – No more thermometer-up-the-bottom drama. Vets can scan your pet’s chip to get a quick, stress-free body temperature check.
✔ Smart Home Integration – Works with chip-activated food bowls, water trays, and pet flaps, so you can track your pet’s normal body temperature and spot early signs of illness.
✔ Perfect for Pets Who Hide Symptoms – Dogs and cats alike have a habit of pretending they’re fine until they really aren’t. Thermochips help detect subtle health changes early, meaning fewer surprises at the vet.
If your pet’s going to have a chip, why not make it one with superpowers?
Chip Tips (That Might Save You a Panic Attack Later)
✔ Check your pet’s chip is registered with a DEFRA-approved database (we recommend HomeAgain).
✔ Add more than one phone number—your mobile plus a backup human (because life happens).
✔ Update your details whenever you move or switch numbers (seriously, it’s a 2-minute job that can save you days of searching).
✔ Not sure of your pet’s chip number? Pop into any Priory branch, and we’ll scan it for free!
Not Quite GPS, But the Ultimate Safety Net to Bring Your Pet Home
So while we might joke about your pet’s GPS, sadly microchips aren’t tracking devices (yet!). But what they are is an invisible safety net—ready to reunite you with your pet, as long as the details are up to date.
So if you haven’t checked yours in a while, or your dog is long overdue for a database confirmation, now’s the perfect time to fix that.
Give us a call, book in for a chip or chip check, or just pop by—we’re always happy to help keep your pet safe, trackable, and stress-free, because when it comes to reunions, “we couldn’t contact the owner” is one phrase we never want to hear. 💔