Dog Insurance and Identity Chips

Submitted by N/A on 12/16/2011

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of finding a missing dog. Cheap pet insurance may not include this level of cover, but if you compare pet insurance policies you will see that pet insurance companies will often contribute financially in case you loose your dog.

Your dog insurance could pay up to a specified amount to fund finding your pet, which could include money to cover the cost of making local ‘lost’ posters, as well as offering a reward.

One way to find a lost pet more easily is to have them fitted with an identity microchip. Pet insurance will not usually pay for a microchip to be inserted, and any health problems which arise from inserting the microchip will also not usually be covered. Nevertheless, it can make finding your dog easier in the event of them getting lost. In fact, the RSPCA believes that microchipping your dog gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they become lost or stolen.[1]

What is a pet microchip?
A dog microchip is a small chip about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the dog’s skin. The chip is usually inserted below your dog’s skin at the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades. The microchip contains electronic records of the dog's owner and home address. The microchip is usually implanted with a routine injection by your vet. If your dog is found, he or she will usually be scanned by a vet or rescue centre, who will then be able to reunite you with your pet.

Why do I need to microchip my dog?
Apart from helping you find your dog in case they get lost, microchipping is also essential to take your dog abroad. The chip must be of ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785, to be valid for travel. You should also ensure the microchip is fully functioning once it has been implanted, as your pet insurance will not cover any costs if the microchip was not checked, and the chip then malfunctions 14 days prior to your departure on a trip.

Once your dog is microchipped, and you have taken out a good pet insurance policy, you will feel safe in the knowledge that your pet is protected for the future.

[1] - www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/general/microchipping

Company Profile:

John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include car, home, life, travel, wedding, event, cat and dog insurance products.

For more information about John Lewis Pet Insurance please visit the website here - www.johnlewis-insurance.com.

Homepage: http://www.johnlewis-insurance.com/

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