Microchipping

It is now mandatory to microchip horses, ponies, and donkeys residing in Scotland

As of the 28th of March 2021, microchipping is now mandatory for all horses, ponies, and donkeys residing in Scotland. Please see some FAQ’s below. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at the practice.

  • A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is inserted into your horse’s neck containing a unique number that matches your horse’s details. This unique number is uploaded to the Central Equine Database which will allow for easier identification and tracking of horses with the aim of reducing horse theft and abandonment. It will also aid in reuniting stolen/lost horses with their respective owners.

  • Microchipping is widely accepted as a safe, effective, and tamper-proof method of identifying horses. Your horse’s neck will be scanned prior to microchip insertion to ensure there is no microchip already present.

     

    The microchip is inserted into the ligament running along the top of your horse’s neck on the left side about midway up the length of the neck. The procedure itself is quick and often well-tolerated, however a small amount of bleeding may occur from the injection site. Adverse reactions to microchips are very rare.

  • In the UK, microchipping can only be carried out by veterinary surgeons or qualified veterinary nurses under veterinary supervision.

  • The microchip number will be recorded on a form for you to send to your passport issuing organisation. If you are obtaining a passport and microchip at the same time, the microchip number will be recorded directly onto the passport form.

  • If your horse already has a passport but not a previous microchip, you should contact your passport issuing organisation advising them of the new microchip implanted and ask for guidance on next steps. Each passport issuing organisation is different so contacting them directly is often best. We will leave a form with the record of your horse’s microchip number to pass onto them.

     

    If your horse is obtaining a passport at the same time, the passport forms will contain the microchip number and should be sent as normal to the relevant passport issuing authority.

     

    Ensure your details are always up to date with us and the Central Equine Database so you can be easily contacted if your horse is found missing or stolen.

  • The microchip number and your details along with your horse’s details will be recorded onto your clinical record and uploaded to the Central Equine Database.

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