TO CHIP OR NOT TO CHIP - IS THAT REALLY A QUESTION?

The Dog Identification Group (DIG) is proposing a scheme for every dog to be identified by a microchip. It's not law yet,  but all parties seem to be keen on the idea and that's a good sign. Tattooing will be phased out within a few years and the National Tattoo Register will morph into a static reunification database only, that will be maintained by the NTR or farmed off to another database.  If in doubt please contact the NTR directly.  

When you hear about an owner's heartache when they have lost their pet or the cruelty inflicted through ignorance or just down right maliciousness do you feel sadness, anger or outrage? Good news for good owners - bad news for those that aren't. Identification means accountability. Here we will discuss microchipping.

The dog or cat should feel no more discomfort from a microchip implant than from a conventional injection. Microchipping uses Radio Frequency (RFID) technology and cannot be tampered with, fade or be removed. The chip is deposited mid-line into the fatty area between the shoulder blades. The needle houses the microchip and is therefore larger than a conventional needle, however, a clever design allows it to incise the skin easily with very little discomfort. Some animals cry - most do not.

The demand for microchip training courses has grown dramatically as the Pet Passport Scheme already stipulates that all dogs and cats entering the UK must be microchipped. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) issued a statement that 'appropriately trained NON-veterinarians' are allowed to microchip dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets. A good opportunity for those who want to learn another skill. Courses attract breeders, groomers, dog trainers and boarding kennel owners who want to either microchip their own litters, or to offer the service to their clients. A breeder who microchips their own litter obviously saves on veterinary fees. Once qualified to microchip, the student, now called an Implanter, is given a unique PIN by Petlog. Once trained as an Implanter, they can request an Authorisation Code from Petlog so they can access the Petlog database at any time to register the pets they have chipped.  (Data can only be viewed, deleted or amended by Petlog).

Each Implanter can act as a mini 're-uniting centre'. Using their own scanner and the Petlog database, a quick telephone call to Petlog’s 24/7 help line (08444 633 999) could end the misery of someone who has lost a much-loved pet. The good-will generated by such a kind deed will no doubt, be recounted by the thankful owner for years to come and can make a great story for the local press! Training an Implanter normally takes 3 hours, and workshops are held at weekends. Our course is structured, informal and very hands on! An experienced vet supervises each implant to ensure there is uniformity in the procedures and a high standard in microchipping techniques.