Dog - Microchipping

Permanent identification is primarily designed to provide an effective means of reuniting owners with dogs that have strayed. Other important uses are in connection with the eradication of certain inherited diseases in pedigree stock. Also, with the recent relaxation of quarantine regulation, microchipping is mandatory for positive identification if you wish to travel abroad with your dog and to return without having to undergo quarantine.

What are the forms of permanent identification?

Until the introduction of the microchip some years ago, tattooing was the only permanent method of positive identification and is still regarded as very useful. Tattooing techniques have improved immeasurably over recent years, but they can sometimes be difficult to read particularly when overgrown with hair. The usual tattoo areas are the inside of the ear or the inside of the thigh (as is mandatory in the case of American Pit Bull Terriers on the Index of Exempted Dogs). The disadvantage is that in order to read the tattoo the dog has to be physically handled more than when being scanned for the presence of a microchip.

Collars and tags with owner details are traditionally the most common form of identification for dogs and cats. These details are frequently lost or become illegible.

Every year thousands of well-cared for pets end up being re-homed or put to sleep simply because their owners cannot be readily traced.

What is microchipping?

A microchip is a pellet about the size of a small grain of rice. Under sterile conditions this is injected under the skin at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. No anaesthetic is necessary and implantation takes only seconds. Most veterinary practices today undertake microchip implantation.

The procedure need not be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon, provided the implanter has undergone a course of instruction. In consequence many charity clinics, rescue centres and dog wardens offer the service.

The advantages of having the chipping carried out at the practice are that we can discuss any concerns you may have and advise appropriately. On subsequent visits, we will check the chip to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Is it true that chips can move?

Modern microchips are designed to reduce this possibility of migration. Properly inserted they should not move more than a few centimetres.

How does the system work?

The inserted chip bears a unique 15 digit code which, together with the owner’s details, are recorded on a national database, the largest of which is PetLog, run by the Kennel Club in collaboration with animal charities. Scanners are widely available. Nearly 4 million pets are currently registered with an average of 40,000 new pets added each month. Most veterinary practices, re-homing centres and charities routinely scan any animals brought to their attention. In addition scanners are held by the police, local authorities, dog wardens and RSPCA inspectors.

Once taken into care a stray is scanned and if microchipped the unique code recorded by the scanner can be entered into the central database by authorised personnel. Owner’s details can be obtained and contact established. The dog can then be returned home without delay.

What are the disadvantages?

• Microchipping, to date probably the most infallible identification system available, depends upon owner’s current details being kept on the national database. Therefore it is essential the national database (PetLog) is notified if owner details or address change. It is not uncommon for a stray animal to have a microchip, but due to outdated details, the owner can't be traced.
• Microchipping is an invisible method of identification requiring the dog to be correctly scanned with a reader. Owner details are available from PetLog to authorised enquirers only, who have to enter a unique user code. Authorised persons include: veterinary surgeons, police, dog wardens, RSPCA inspectors, etc.
• Migration of the chip is a concern of many owners. Implanted chips can migrate from their original position, but this is usually only a few centimetres with modern chips. It is wise to check the position of the chip when you attend for annual check ups, etc.

Can microchips become unreadable?

This is unlikely but sometimes there is a failure to record the number on the scanner. If this occurs it is important that the dog is scanned carefully using different scanners and also scanned over a wider area to make sure that the chip has not moved. If it has relocated, a note should be made of its current position with the date. This is particularly important if you are travelling under the PETS scheme. (Please see PETS handout.) Occasionally a few chips have failed to be revealed after insertion. Under these circumstances we advise that another chip should be inserted. This is particularly important if you do intend travelling under PETS. Both numbers should be recorded on the current database.

If I have a new chip inserted, what happens if the other one suddenly becomes readable?

The original code number must be eliminated from the database. Up-to-date owner details must be maintained for both chips. Then, should on a subsequent scanning, the original chip be read the owner can still be located. This is especially important under the PETS scheme since if the microchip number cannot be read, and positive identification established, the dog has to undergo quarantine until the matter is resolved.

Database information must be accurate

Microchip identification is probably the most reliable, permanent means of identification available today. However ultimate reliability is dependent upon the accuracy of the details entered on the database. Ensure that any change of ownership, change of address or other details are notified to PetLog or your database operator without any delay. If lost, identification of your dog depends upon scanning being carried out. Scanners are available to all those involved with lost pets – vets, the police, local authorities, RSPCA, Dogs Trust, other animal charities, etc. Thus the chances of a lost dog, not being scanned are minimal, just ensure the database details are current.

To fulfil most local authority requirements, a collar and tag with owner’s details is also required.

Please feel free to discuss this with us if you have any worries.