New mini microchips launched: safer ID for small pets

Getting your dog, cat or other pet microchipped is one of the best ways to provide an additional safety net if your pet is lost or stolen, and can help you to recover them safely and quickly if they are found by another pet lover. They can also be used to help you to prove ownership of your pet in the case of any disputes, and once your pet has been microchipped, your pet is sorted with an accurate, permanent form of identification for life!

However, if you have ever been present at the clinic when one of your pets was microchipped, you may have been rather taken aback by the gauge size of the needle used to do this, and the size of the microchip itself. Whilst after chipping has been done, the chip is totally painless and your pet will not even be aware of it, the process itself can give your pet rather a shock, unless chipping is performed as part of your pet’s spay or neuter surgery under a general anaesthetic.

Most of the major microchipping companies have recently begun to introduce a smaller chip to the market, which is aimed at usage in cats, kittens and smaller dogs, but that is also perfectly suitable for larger animals too. In this article, we will look into these in more detail, and discuss why they might be a better microchipping alternative for your own pet. Read on to learn more.

Why microchip your pet?

Microchipping your pet is a responsible ownership essential, providing permanent, reliable ID even if your dog never goes off lead or your cat stays indoors. Plus, it's a legal requirement for all dogs in the UK since 2016, and a failure to microchip or keep details updated can incur fines up to £500.

It's also necessary for compliance with the Pet Passport (PETS) scheme if you plan to travel internationally or bring pets into the UK.

How does microchipping work?

Veterinary clinics use microchips supplied by various companies connected to different databases in the UK. The chip is injected just under the skin, usually at the scruff of the neck for dogs and cats, with a large gauge needle that inserts the chip similarly to an ear piercing.

Once inserted, a handheld scanner reads the chip’s unique ID number. This number links to online databases that show registered owner details or inform the scanner which company holds the information.

Owners can report pets lost or stolen to these databases, easing reunification. If another person scans your pet’s chip and contacts the company, the microchip service will reach out to help reconnect you with your pet.

Introducing mini microchips

Mini microchips function exactly like standard ones but are just physically smaller. Standard chips are typically implanted using a 12 gauge needle about 3mm in diameter, which can be sharp for conscious animals. Mini microchips, about a third the size, use a smaller needle generally around 16 gauge or just over 1.5mm in diameter — about 60% smaller.

Benefits of mini microchips

Both mini and standard microchips provide lifelong permanent identification once inserted and the site has healed. The key advantage of mini microchips lies in their smaller size, making the implantation less invasive and less painful. This is especially beneficial when your pet is conscious during the procedure, such as during vaccination visits or public microchipping clinics.

Mini microchips are particularly recommended for small, delicate breeds like the Italian greyhound puppies, kittens, or smaller dog breeds, where a smaller needle means less discomfort and stress.

Many veterinary practices now offer mini microchips for a slightly higher cost, and even if your usual vet doesn’t stock them routinely, they can often order one if requested. However, charity microchipping clinics often only provide the standard size due to cost and supply constraints.

Innovations beyond size: health-monitoring microchips

Beyond size reduction, new microchip technology has expanded to include features such as continuous temperature monitoring. For instance, the HomeAgain Thermochip available in the UK combines traditional identification with ongoing temperature tracking, providing valuable health insights to pet owners and vets without invasive procedures.

Other notable mini microchips, like those offered by 24Petwatch and BuddyID, use smaller needles (15 gauge) and offer lifetime registrations, anti-migration designs for stable implantation, and prepaid starter tags to encourage use.

These advances in microchip technology help improve the welfare and safety of pets by increasing comfort during implantation and enhancing health monitoring capabilities, enhancing the standard microchipping's role in responsible pet ownership.

Conclusion

Microchipping remains one of the most important steps in responsible pet ownership, providing a reliable, permanent link between a pet and their owner. The arrival of mini microchips offers a less invasive option especially suited to small dogs, puppies, and cats, helping reduce pet stress during microchipping.

Innovations such as temperature-monitoring microchips represent the future of caring for pets, combining safety with health tracking. Speak to your vet about the best microchip option for your pet’s size and lifestyle, and ensure your pet is protected with the latest technology.

Remember, keeping your pet's details up to date in any microchip database is vital for a quick reunion should the unexpected happen.