Dogs Trust offers FREE dog Microchipping as part of National Chipping Week 2018

Dogs Trust, Ireland’s leading dog welfare charity, has launched details of its annual Nationwide Microchipping Awareness Campaign.

The campaign will run from August 13-19 in association with government approved microchipping database Fido.

Although it has been a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped, registered with a government approved database and be in possession of an up-to-date Microchipping Certificate since April 2016, Fido estimates fewer than half of dogs are fully compliant with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015. 

Last year, only 25%* of stray dogs entering Irish pounds were reunited with their owners; however, Dogs Trust believes through microchipping and correct registration, this figure could be greatly improved. 

Dogs Trust wants to ensure that every dog in Ireland can be swiftly returned to their owners should they become lost or separated from them. 

That is why this year the charity will again be offering free microchipping clinics at Maxi Zoo stores in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow, as well as a Microchip Certificate Amnesty for dog owners across the country.

Dogs Trust is offering free microchipping certificates to dog owners who have their dogs microchipped but do not yet have a certificate. 

Those who need to update their current certificate with their new contact details can also avail of the free Microchipping Certificate Amnesty via the charity’s website.

If you are unsure of your dog’s microchip number, visit your a veterinary practice and ask to have your dog scanned with a microchip reader.

Iif you change address or phone number, or transfer ownership of your dog, you must update your details straight away with your dog’s microchip database provider.

Sarah Lynch, Campaigns Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, said: “Becoming lost and separated from their owners can be distressing for dogs and for owners.

“By having your dog microchipped and correctly registered, you could drastically reduce the amount of time you are apart. 

“Dogs Trust wants to play a part in ensuring lost dogs are quickly reunited with their owners should they go missing and we cannot emphasise enough the many benefits of compulsory microchipping and registration.”

* Statistics released by the Department of Rural and Community Development 

About Dogs Trust Ireland:

Dogs Trust currently has 173 dogs looking for homes.

Dogs Trust has been working in Ireland since 2005 and its mission is to bring an end to the destruction of stray and abandoned dogs. For more information on Dogs Trust please go to www.dogstrust.ie

Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

Dogs Trust has a non destruction policy; we never destroy a healthy dog.

The Centre is based at: Dogs Trust Dublin Rehoming Centre, Ashbourne Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.

Free Chipping Clinics are taking place at Maxi Zoo stores: in Bray – August 13; Maynooth – August 14; Tallaght – August 16; Finglas – August 17. 

Booking a place at these events is essential so visit www.DogsTrust.ie for information.