What is a pet microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny computer chip about the size of a grain of rice, which has an identification number programmed into it. The microchip is inert, has no battery and uses no energy, and will last for the life of the animal. The microchip is injected under the animal’s skin between the shoulder blades and is a simple procedure, which causes no side effects. To identify the animal, a scanner that reads microchip numbers is passed over the animal’s skin. The scanned number can then be checked against a register, which provides details of the animal’s ownership. For more information: VIC Department of Primary Industries website.
How does it work?
The Microchip generates a low energy radio signal that transmits a unique number when a compatible hand held scanner is passed over the animal’s skin across the shoulder blades, down each side of the shoulders, along the back from the neck to the base of the tail. Mobile Microchipping also scans other regions of the animal’s body to ensure a microchip that has previously been implanted is identified. These regions can be under the belly and down along the outside and inside of the back legs and the front of the chest. Microchips have been found in these regions.
What animals do you microchip?
Mobile Microchipping Service is for:
- Dogs and Cats
- Puppies and Kittens (Must be over 1kg and 8 weeks of age)
Horses must be Microchipped by a Registered Veterinary Surgeon only.
Where is the implant site?
The implant site is under the skin, between the shoulder blades.
How long does it take to implant the microchip?
The process takes around 20minutes in total, including implanting the Microchip and Paperwork.
Mobile Microchipping carries out the following process on one animal at a time from initial scan, implanting microchip & scanning after implantation, ensuring a high quality service and minimal stress on the animals. This in turn is great reassurance for the owner.
On arrival at your property or location the first stage of the service is to complete all necessary paperwork and ensure all details are correct, along with signature of owner and a second contact is mandatory for the form to be completed.
You will be given one form per animal to fill out. If you have more than one animal to microchip on the day, paperwork for all the animals will be filled out on arrival.
Once the form is complete then the animal will be scanned prior to implanting the microchip.
The process is as follows:
- Scanning the animal prior to implanting microchip
- Implanting the microchip (if no microchip found)
- Scanning the animal for confirmation of placement of microchip
- Animal/s is monitored for 5 minutes by Implanter to ensure there is no post bleeding.
- Aftercare notes given to owner, along with a temporary Certificate of Implantation. Your official Implantation Certificate will be sent to you in the mail.
Will microchipping my pet hurt it?
NO. Microchipping your pet is quick and no more than the injection they receive with their yearly vaccination.
Why microchip?
A microchip is a form of permanent identification for your animal and will stay within the animal for life. Microchips can sometimes migrate (move around in other parts of the body, under the skin) which is why it is important to have your animal scanned for the placement of the microchip yearly with its routine vaccination by your local Veterinary Clinic.
All Cats and Dogs must now be Microchipped when registering them for the first time with your local Council. Councils also have the power to require compulsory microchipping for all cats and dogs as well. It is important to contact your local council and find out what the microchipping requirements are. Additionally cats and dogs sold or given away from any Domestic Animal Business (Pet Shop, Commercial Breeder or a pound or shelter) must be microchipped from 1 December 2005
If you would like to find out more about microchipping and the microchipping legislation in Victoria click here to read an article I wrote for my friends over at PuppyPages.
What microchips do you use and what register?
The Register in which details will be registered with is Central Animal Records.
What do I do when I sell a newly microchipped animal?
A Change of Ownership Declaration form is partially filled out on the day for each animal with your details, animal details and I place a microchip sticker with the number, on the form. When you sell the animal, the new owner fills out the bottom details and it is best if you send the change of ownership form off yourself to make sure it is updated.
What if my pet has complications to the microchip implant?
In the event of any resulting complication from the microchip implantation Mobile Microchipping Service, will cover the full cost to your chosen Veterinary Clinic. Please contact us straight away if this is the case.