What is a microchip?
An extremely small device that contains information electronically.
Where is it placed?
Beneath the skin between the animal's shoulder blades.
How is it inserted?
By using a special hand held machine that 'injects' the chip beneath the skin.
Doesn't inserting the microchip hurt the animal?
This is an injection and each animal reacts differently, but with the right technique the procedure is usually quick and painless.
How do you know if an animal has been microchipped?
Animal wardens, vets, police and animal welfare organisations have scanners that are able to locate and 'read' the information on the microchip.
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.
If my pet has been microchipped, am I still expected to pay the fees if it strays?
Afraid so, but returning it would be much quicker and should reduce the cost of kennelling.
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.