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GSD Help & Information

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Microchipping

I can now offer a local microchipping service by appointment at competitive rates as I am a certified microchip implanter. It is available to anyone living in our area  The cost of micro chipping varies from £15 at certain subsidised clinics to £30+ at some vet surgeries, but I can undercut these prices because I do not have the overheads that produce the prices mentioned.

With Microchipping now being the accepted means of positive identification all responsible owners are microchipping their pets.


Contact Val:-01923 255740   or     Geoff:-01923 852452
           
Here are some frequently asked questions about microchipping:-

How is an animal Microchipped?
 
needlechip This is a quick painless procedure whereby a tiny microchip is inserted underneath the skin between the animal's shoulder blades, just below the base of the neck.  This is done using a needle, and is similar to your pet having a routine vaccine jab at the vets.  Once the microchip has been inserted, the owner's name and address is entered on to a database against its own unique code number. Only registered authorities have access to the information kept on the database (Data Protection Act 1998).

What is a Microchip
A Microchip is the size of a large grain of rice ( 1.15mm x 2.12mm) encases in a biocompatible glass the same
microchip used in human pacemakers, to prevent rejection from the animals body. The surface of the casing is pitted to enable the animal's tissues to bond and grow around the chip so holding it in position.  Each chip is randomly preprogrammed with its own individual number.  The chip is totally passive, it is not untill the energy from the low frequency radio wave from the scanner is passed over the chip that it becomes active.  The number then appears on the LCD of the scanner.
 
Will it hurt my pet?  
The process should not cause your pet any more pain than a vaccine jab at the vets, and, when done properly, most animals don’t notice it’s happening, especially when distracted with a piece of food! Some of the smaller or more sensitive animals may yelp or squeak but recover very quickly.  
 

How long does it take?  
The microchip itself takes less than 2 seconds to insert. You will then be asked to fill out the registration form which will take a further few minutes.  
 
How does the Microchip work?  
The microchip emits a radio wave that is detected by a hand held scanner that when it comes into proximity of
scannerblue the chip energises the chip and in return transmits its unique code back to the scanner.  The scanner LCD will then display the microchip number for a minute.  Animal wardens, rescue centres, pounds, police, microchippers and vets are all equipped with these scanners that are used to read the microchip details and have access to the PetLog database.  This enables the them to reunite the dog with its owner.  PetLog is a national database, which means that your dog can be identified where it is found anywhere nationwide and may mean you can avoid kennelling charges if it is seized as a stray.

What information does the microchip hold?
A serial number that is recorded on a national register when it is inserted. The register also contains the owner’s name, address and any contact details such as the telephone number, so by checking the details against the serial number owner and pet may be reunited


Where are my details held?
The number on the microchip relates to your personal details which are held on a secure database e.g. Petlog® or Identichip® (The database will vary depending on the microchip manufacturer). The person detecting the chip will call the database to get your details and be able to inform you that your pet has been found. 
 
How big is a Microchip?
A microchip is often compared to the size of a grain of rice.  The microchip pictured here is 11mm in length.

How does the microchip stay in place?

Once the microchip has been inserted, the dog's body tissue surrounding the microchip attaches itself, preventing movement of the chip. 

Why does the body not reject the microchip?
The microchip is encased in the same material (bio-compatible glass) that is used in human pacemakers. The microchip and the implanting equipment are sterilised before use, so that the dog's body does not reject the microchip. 

Will I also get a tag?
Yes, when your animal is microchipped, you should be given a collar tag The writing on the tag that states that your pet is identified with a microchip, and often has the microchip database phone number. 
 
My pet already has a Microchip, how do I change the ownership or contact details?
You should contact the relevant database. There are a number of databases in the UK, such as Identichip®,  PETTRAC, and Petlog® . If you know your animal is microchipped but do not know the manufacturer or correct database try Petlog® as they hold the largest database and can usually let you know which is the correct database for a particular microchip number.  Petlog®  can be contacted on phone number: 0870 6066751.
 
Do I have to have my pet Microchipped if I plan to take him on holiday?  
If you plan to travel abroad your pet must be microchipped in order to comply with regulations. If you are traveling within the UK it is not essential but is strongly recommended for your pet's safety.
 
How long does the Microchip last?  
The microchip should last the life time of your pet. It is very rare for a microchip to stop working. For peace of mind ask your vet or local microchipper to check your pets chip by scanning it every 6 months or so.

What if I move home?
Dogs and cats are most likely to become disorientated, and so lost, when they have been moved to a new home. It is, therefore, particularly important that you notify the organisation that maintains the microchipping register of your new contact details as soon as possible.

My dog has a collar tag so why should it be microchipped?
By law all dogs have to wear a collar with a tag showing the name and address of the owner, but accidents do happen.  Collars break, identification tags fall off and get lost.  Microchips identify your pet permanently and harmlessly.

Why should I worry about losing my pet dog?
There is always a chance that the most reliable and well cared for dog will go missing or be stolen.  Home loving dogs are the most likely to get lost because they don't know their way around the area.

Is the microchip system well established?
More than 750,000 animals have already been microchipped in the UK. 

Does my dog or cat have to be a particular age before it can be chipped?
It is recommended that a dog or cat have their final vaccinations before being microchipped.


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chloebutton  talabutton   

The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.