Thousands of pets go missing every year across the UK, including many rabbits, and sadly, not all make it back home. Losing a beloved rabbit can be heartbreaking, and finding them again can be difficult without proper identification and up-to-date contact details.

Microchipping rabbits is a safe, simple, and effective way to help ensure your furry friend can be identified if they go missing. Read on for everything you need to know about rabbit microchipping, including costs, how it's done, risks, and more.

What Does Microchipping a Rabbit Mean?

A microchip for rabbits is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice, containing a unique 15-digit code. This microchip number is linked to your contact details in a secure microchip database.

When a veterinary practice or animal shelter scans your rabbit, the chip emits a signal picked up by a scanner. The vet can then access your details to contact you and help return your rabbit safely home.

Unlike collars or tags that can fall off or be removed, the pet microchip is implanted under the skin and cannot be lost or tampered with.

Keep Your Microchip Details Up to Date

After your rabbit has been microchipped, it's vital to ensure your details are correctly registered in the database. This includes your full name, current address, and mobile phone number.

You'll receive a registration certificate with your rabbit's chip number - keep this safe! If you move house or change phone numbers, remember to contact the microchip database provider to update your contact details. Outdated information could delay or prevent you from being contacted if your rabbit is found.

Do Rabbits Need to be Microchipped

Currently, microchipping rabbits is not a legal requirement like it is for dogs and cats in the UK. However, many veterinary professionals and animal welfare groups strongly recommend it.

Rabbits are curious and quick, often able to slip through fences or open doors. They can easily become lost in the local area and, without identification, finding them can be a challenge.

When a rabbit goes missing, you might put up posters with a photo of your rabbit in your local community and on social media. Still, without a microchip number linked to your mobile phone number, it's much harder for finders or vets to reach you quickly.

How is Microchipping Rabbits Done?

The process of microchipping a rabbit is quick and straightforward. The chip is inserted under the skin using a sterile, wide-bore needle. Most vets implant the chip between the shoulder blades or along the scruff of the neck, where it is least likely to cause discomfort.

The chip contains no battery and is designed to remain in place for your rabbit's entire life. Although some slight movement under the skin is possible, it will not affect the scanner's ability to read the chip.

The procedure is generally painless or causes only minor discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination injection. Your vet or a trained veterinary nurse will perform the microchipping, and it can often be done during a routine check-up or when your rabbit is being neutered.

While microchipping rabbits is generally very safe, risks include slight bleeding, movement of the chip or, in rare cases, infection. Having the procedure carried out by a qualified vet or trained implanter will reduce the risks.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Rabbit Microchipped?

The cost of microchipping a rabbit is usually costs between £15 and £30, depending on your veterinary practice and location. Some animal charities or rescue centres offer discounted microchipping and, for adopted rabbits, the microchip is usually implanted and registered as part of the adoption process.

Is It Worth Getting a Rabbit Microchipped?

Microchipping dogs and cats is compulsary; however, rabbit microchipping is not a legal requirement yet. Although, it is still a highly recommended step for responsible rabbit ownership. This permanent form of identification can make all the difference if your rabbit ever goes missing.

Speak to your local veterinary practice to book a microchip appointment and protect your bunny with the same technology that helps thousands of pets, including cats, dogs, and rabbits, find their way home every year.

If your rabbit ever goes missing, a registered microchip with your current mobile phone number could be the key to a quick reunion - don't wait until it's too late!

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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