Microchipping
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding microchipping. we strongly urge owners to consider microchipping their pet, it can prove invaluable should your dog be lost or stolen.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a tiny computer chip which contains the unique ID number assigned to the transponder. The transponder being a tiny electronic device encapsulated in a biocompatible glass. The microchip is attached to an integrated circuit that uses a coil of copper wire wound around an iron core. This functions as a tiny antenna to pick up the energy from the scanner enabling the encoded ID number from the microchip to be sent to the scanner.
If somebody finds my dog, what if they don’t have a scanner?Not many members of the general public will own a scanner but once your dog is handed into the local rescue, local authority kennels, taken to the vets or picked up by the dog warden the first action taken will be to scan the dog to check for a microchip. Dog wardens carry a small hand held scanner at all times when on duty therefore are very quickly able to collect the owners details via the national database for a speedy reunion.
What age can my dog be micro chipped?
A larger breed dog may have more body “bulk” and may be able to be micro chipped as young as eight weeks. Smaller breeds however would need to be slightly older possibly between 10-12 weeks. This is only a guide, a qualified veterinarian or implanter would take all factors into account concerning the individual dog and in some cases may advise that the dog is older before micro chipping .
How long will it take to micro chip my dog?, will he be sedated?
There is no need for sedation, it is a very fast procedure taking no longer than a vaccination. It may causing minimal discomfort for a second or two but once the microchip is in place there should be no discomfort, excessive bleeding, redness or swelling . Infact seconds after the procedure you may not be able to see the point of entry. If for any reason it is though that a complication has arose as a result of the procedure immediately seek veterinary attention.
Will I be able to feel the microchip once it is implanted?It is very unlikely, it is very small often compared in size to an uncooked grain of rice.
How will I know if it’s working properly?
There really isn’t anything that can go wrong but for peace of mind during annual health checks the Veterinarian will be happy to scan your dog enabling you to see the unique 15 digit ID number .
Where will my personal details be stored?
Petlog is the UK’s largest pet reunification database which is managed by the Kennel Club. Currently having a database containing over 3.5 million owners and pets details.
What if my pet is found Christmas Day?
24 hours a day, 365 days a year an adviser will be on hand to aid in reuniting you and your pet as quickly as possible. Last year Petlog assisted with over 89,000 lost and found calls.
I am going to France on holiday, will the microchip still work?Yes, no matter where you travel within the EU they are covered Petlog is a founder member of European Pet Network, which links all the micro chipping databases across Europe. Prior to your trip be sure to contact Petlog for further information also enabling them to add any additional details.
So if my dog is micro chipped he doesn’t need to wear a collar and tag?
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of it’s owner either engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. A telephone number is optional (but advisable). An owner can be fined up to £5,000 if the dog is not wearing identification.
There are some exceptions to the rule :
Dogs used on official duties by the armed forces, HM Customs & Excise or the police
Dogs used for sporting purposes and packs of hounds
Dogs used for the capture or destruction of vermin
Dogs used for driving or tending cattle or sheep
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Dogs used for emergency rescue work (1)
A microchip offers back up if the dog managed to slip it’s collar whilst for instance out on a walk or looses it’s collar during straying. If the dog was stolen the thief could easily remove an ID tag but would not be able to change owners details on the national database.
How much does it cost and do I have to pay each year to keep my dog registered?
Your local veterinarian or implanter will give an exact price but as a guide expect to pay between £20-£35. This is a one off payment the dog is then registered for the rest of it’s life.
I am moving house, what should I do?
It is imperative that personal information is kept up to date. An additional payment will be required to update your details however last year Petlog Premium was launched , a lifetime membership scheme that allows owners to update their personal details continually for a one-off fee of £10 (online). Additional services are also being added to the scheme, including a 30 mile lost pet radius alert system which highlights missing pets to authorised agents, and the ability for owners to forward holiday details. (2)
(1) http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/379
(2) http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1771&d=252&h=244&f=0
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a tiny computer chip which contains the unique ID number assigned to the transponder. The transponder being a tiny electronic device encapsulated in a biocompatible glass. The microchip is attached to an integrated circuit that uses a coil of copper wire wound around an iron core. This functions as a tiny antenna to pick up the energy from the scanner enabling the encoded ID number from the microchip to be sent to the scanner.
If somebody finds my dog, what if they don’t have a scanner?Not many members of the general public will own a scanner but once your dog is handed into the local rescue, local authority kennels, taken to the vets or picked up by the dog warden the first action taken will be to scan the dog to check for a microchip. Dog wardens carry a small hand held scanner at all times when on duty therefore are very quickly able to collect the owners details via the national database for a speedy reunion.
What age can my dog be micro chipped?
A larger breed dog may have more body “bulk” and may be able to be micro chipped as young as eight weeks. Smaller breeds however would need to be slightly older possibly between 10-12 weeks. This is only a guide, a qualified veterinarian or implanter would take all factors into account concerning the individual dog and in some cases may advise that the dog is older before micro chipping .
How long will it take to micro chip my dog?, will he be sedated?
There is no need for sedation, it is a very fast procedure taking no longer than a vaccination. It may causing minimal discomfort for a second or two but once the microchip is in place there should be no discomfort, excessive bleeding, redness or swelling . Infact seconds after the procedure you may not be able to see the point of entry. If for any reason it is though that a complication has arose as a result of the procedure immediately seek veterinary attention.
Will I be able to feel the microchip once it is implanted?It is very unlikely, it is very small often compared in size to an uncooked grain of rice.
How will I know if it’s working properly?
There really isn’t anything that can go wrong but for peace of mind during annual health checks the Veterinarian will be happy to scan your dog enabling you to see the unique 15 digit ID number .
Where will my personal details be stored?
Petlog is the UK’s largest pet reunification database which is managed by the Kennel Club. Currently having a database containing over 3.5 million owners and pets details.
What if my pet is found Christmas Day?
24 hours a day, 365 days a year an adviser will be on hand to aid in reuniting you and your pet as quickly as possible. Last year Petlog assisted with over 89,000 lost and found calls.
I am going to France on holiday, will the microchip still work?Yes, no matter where you travel within the EU they are covered Petlog is a founder member of European Pet Network, which links all the micro chipping databases across Europe. Prior to your trip be sure to contact Petlog for further information also enabling them to add any additional details.
So if my dog is micro chipped he doesn’t need to wear a collar and tag?
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of it’s owner either engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. A telephone number is optional (but advisable). An owner can be fined up to £5,000 if the dog is not wearing identification.
There are some exceptions to the rule :
Dogs used on official duties by the armed forces, HM Customs & Excise or the police
Dogs used for sporting purposes and packs of hounds
Dogs used for the capture or destruction of vermin
Dogs used for driving or tending cattle or sheep
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Dogs used for emergency rescue work (1)
A microchip offers back up if the dog managed to slip it’s collar whilst for instance out on a walk or looses it’s collar during straying. If the dog was stolen the thief could easily remove an ID tag but would not be able to change owners details on the national database.
How much does it cost and do I have to pay each year to keep my dog registered?
Your local veterinarian or implanter will give an exact price but as a guide expect to pay between £20-£35. This is a one off payment the dog is then registered for the rest of it’s life.
I am moving house, what should I do?
It is imperative that personal information is kept up to date. An additional payment will be required to update your details however last year Petlog Premium was launched , a lifetime membership scheme that allows owners to update their personal details continually for a one-off fee of £10 (online). Additional services are also being added to the scheme, including a 30 mile lost pet radius alert system which highlights missing pets to authorised agents, and the ability for owners to forward holiday details. (2)
(1) http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/379
(2) http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1771&d=252&h=244&f=0
