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We would really appreciate it if you look through the FAQ’s before contacting us. If your question is not answered in the FAQ’s please do get in touch with us by calling 0207 483 1118 or using our contact form Thank you. GENERAL MICROCHIP INFORMATION I am travelling abroad; do your microchips comply with the ISO standards? Can we use your microchips for the Pet Passport Scheme? Yikes! Our pet's microchip can't be read - do you have a scanner that can read all chip brands? Yes! You can either buy or hire the scanner. Call us to discuss. 0207 483 1118. Hire is £5 for 7 days + DHL both ways. Why are your chips known as Micro-transponders? What is actually on the microchip? Can anyone buy your microchips? What is the Chip Fairy? Well, our Chip Fairy replaces all mis-fired chips - you know the ones we mean - the ones that didn't go to plan and end up 'wasted'. The Chip Fairy asks that you return the chip/s (dispose of the needle in the sharps box) and tape the chip /s to a piece of card and return to The Pet Chip Company Ltd, 75 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 4SL and within a wave of the wand you will receive a free replacement. Magical! Actually, we use the loose chip for our Chips4Tack saddle ID project. Do you use the Petlog database? Yes. We only recommend the Petlog database. Petlog is based in the UK and operates 365 days per year, is the largest in the UK and run by The Kennel Club, pets are registered for life and their 24/7 telephone number is 08444 633 999. Why even consider the others? If you wish to check which database your pet's microchip resides on, you can do so free of charge at www.europetnet.com or www.petmaxx.com If you use IdentiChip, PetCode, Avid or Pet Protect you are NOT registered with Petlog or the European Pet Network. One database only registers your pet for 8 years and then you must re-subscribe! Another is an insurance company whose sole purpose is to get an annual insurance subscription out of the pet owner. Surprised huh? If you want to have your pet registered with Petlog, if it isn't already, simply call them on: 08444 633 999. They will do their best to help you. For more information see below - Databases. Are your microchips guaranteed? Yes, of course. In fact, all our equipment is guaranteed against manufacturing faults. Most of what we sell is made in the UK or in Europe. Can I return microchips to you? What is the minimum number of chips I can buy? Can I buy just one chip? We are a Rescue organisation – are there any discounts for us? How do I transfer the pet details into my name? You will need the microchip number which should be easy to get if you take the pet into any surgery and ask the receptionist to scan it for you. You need this number before you contact Petlog (08444 633 999) to arrange for the database amendment. You may be asked for a copy of the original Petlog certificate or details of the previous owner. Petlog do charge for amending the database, however this is a one off payment for the life of your pet and you will receive lots of additional benefits over and above your basic microchip registration. DATABASES Are there databases other than Petlog? In the AVID opted out of using the Petlog database altogether in favour of their own exclusive database - held in the www.europetnet.com or www.petmaxx.com and key in the microchip number. What is the fee for life-long registration onto Petlog? The registration fee is generally part of the price of the microchip. Depending on how the Implanter registers the pet onto the Petlog database they pay as little as £1.25 (+vat) per pet for life-long registration. The implantation of the chip is of course on top of that Are there any further charges for my pet to remain on the Petlog database? What is Petlog Premium? I have a horse and wish to register him onto a database – which one shall I use?
I have lost my pet – what should I do? Contact Petlog asap 08444 633 999 and let them know. They will flag your pet's record with a missing marker, advise you on what else you can do to help find your pet. Be aware that at this stressful time, you can become vulnerable to SCAMS where the so-called helpful sites are more interested in signing you up for insurance, products, DNA profiling etc. One such company, now defunct, was The Missing Pets Bureau. By all means donate if you feel you have received good, honest service because these sites are normally registered charities and rely on donations - but do not pay any money for promises of help or services you don't need. Call Petlog on 08444 633 999 - if your chip is registered with them they will advise you and there's no charge. I have found a stray pet – what should I do? Firstly, thank you for taking him or her in - your action could save a lot of heart-ache. You should take the pet to a local veterinary centre or rescue or anyone who owns a microchip scanner. Ask them to scan the animal to see if it has been microchipped. If they are a veterinary centre/dogwarden/welfare centre they will probably contact Petlog for you, if not note down the number carefully and contact Petlog on 08444 633 999, they will assist in getting the pet home safely. Other genuine sites are www.dogtheftaction.com www.PetSearch.com and www.doglost.co.uk There may be others of course. And thank you again - it's good to know people care. Petlog have changed their telephone number – why? I want to change the details (address / ownership) for my pet - how do I do that? Call Petlog first 08444 633 999. If the microchip is registered on their database they will assist you. If the chip number resides on another database (All these brands are NOT on Petlog - Identichip, AVID, Petcode, Virbac) Petlog will advise you of the appropriate number to call. These companies chose not to be on Petlog. If you wish to change your pet's registration to the Petlog database - you can, just speak to Petlog and they will assist you to do that. There is small fee. TRAINING COURSE INFORMATION Do I have to bring an animal to the course? In order to demonstrate to the vet that you are competent to microchip companion animals you must chip at least one animal on the day of the course, but preferably two or three. The vet will offer one to one guidance. He or she will also sign a certificate for you on the day of the course. You can bring one, two or three animals on the day. You are able to microchip dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits. The animals must be healthy, friendly and at least 8 weeks old for large and medium sized animals and 9/10 weeks for small breeds and kittens. In addition, you can bring along an Observer to look after or hold the animals for you. How long do the courses last for? What’s special about your training course? We always have an experienced vet present throughout the course. Some companies have a vet ‘visit’ and then disappear, or worse still, don't have a vet at all (if a company offers a 'train you at home' method they definitely don't have a vet present, do they :). The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) state that non-veterinarians must be ‘appropriately trained’ and WE like to interpret those words as being taught by a vet. It keeps the standards high for one thing. Your reputation, confidence and enjoyment depend upon being taught properly. Your training is an investment (you'll make back the fee in no time in any case) so go for the best level of training - that's always going to be a proper training course and with a vet. You do NOT have to purchase stock in order to attend our course. There's no pressure on you to purchase stock - ever. Remember, we ALWAYS have a vet present ALL of the time AND we are entirely open with our prices - check them out and compare - we try to be the most competitive at all times. Our chips are made in Germany and the quality is built in. We also replace any wasted chips (see Chip Fairy) and you will always have a Consultant Vet if you have a question. Needle sharpness is paramount to an easy implantation - many of the other systems do not come close to Trovan/ AEG technology. Once you have completed our training course and if you purchase our chipping system, we become your personal ‘back office’ and you have access to our collective expertise and of course that of our consultant vet if need be. There's no such thing as a daft question. Everyone is treated in a friendly, informative way because we want to be helpful. If we're helpful you may want to recommend us to someone else - it all makes perfect sense - doesn't it :) You can attend a re-fresher course at any time, anywhere, and that is free of charge of course. You can bring along a friend to the course - and we call that person your Observer – there’s no charge for an Observer. Your Observer can help hold your pets, (BTW, we sometimes ask your Observer to hold other animals as well but only if they are willing to do this) they can come into the classroom to listen or look after your pets whilst you are in class. Many students come on our course through recommendation by a friend, colleague or forum - money can't buy that :) Some of our courses are held in village community halls, colleges, universities and even teaching hospitals but regardless of the venue, you will be treated with respect, and you will learn a new, interesting skill in a supportive, structured and enjoyable setting. Being part of a group means that you can learn from watching others, swap experiences and be focused on leaning. Remember, you have a vet present throughout, and they are dedicated to helping you become the best implanter. In a proper teaching environment you are away from family distractions and you can concentrate on learning. Can I bring a friend with me? I hate needles – do you think I can complete the course? Do I have to write anything during the course? Do I have to bring anything to the course other than my pets? My pet is on heat can I still bring her to the course? I want to bring my breeding queen – is there any way she can be chipped away from the other cats? What animals can I bring to the course? All my animals are all microchipped – can I still do the course? Which animals am I allowed to microchip when I complete the course? I want to attend your training course – what qualifications do I need? Microchipping is not a 'start-up' business opportunity in itself, but is a nice add-on to an already established pet-related business or breeding hobby. Rescues see huge benefits from chipping the pets in their care as this is a tried and tested way of generating income. I am a V.N. and already know how to microchip – how can I get an Implanter Code? The training venue I wish to attend is ‘Full’ – can I go on a Waiting List? Your details will be entered onto our course database, and once we have confirmation of the next course date, we will write to you to ask if you wish to attend. Only when we have another course date, or someone cancels, and you have confirmed that date is suitable for you, will we send you an official confirmation email. That way there is no confusion. People do cancel, so there is always a chance you can get onto your preferred course. You are welcome to call us at any time for an up-date. If we find a lot of people on the Waiting List we will endeavour to hold a double course. We have 2 vets present. How often do you hold the course in any one location? When do you take payment for the course? What if I fail the course? I have to cancel my place on the course – how do I do that? I did not attend your last course although I confirmed, can I come on another one? I have lost my course Certificate – how do I get another one? We are a Rescue organisation – do we receive any discount for the course? What evidence do you require for our Rescue status? We need the name and address of your rescue. We offer a discount for rescues and this is offered in good faith - we make periodic checks and if we find people have been using the rescue price chips inappropriately we will immediately refuse further supply, and at our discretion, will refuse further supply of chips on any basis, due to implanter previous misrepresentations and therefore dishonesty. We take this extremely seriously because we subsidise rescues. SCANNER INFORMATION What is the difference between the Universal and the Standard scanners? Can I buy a scanner – I’m not an Implanter or vet? What read distance do pocket scanners have? Do you sell a scanner that is for horses? Do you sell bespoke scanners? My scanner does not work as good as it used to – do you have any suggestions? I got my scanner wet – it won’t work now – what should I do? Do you sell second-hand / re-conditioned scanners? Can I hire a scanner? I want to buy your scanner but I live in Europe – what is the postage? MISCELLANEOUS My dog has lost it's metal collar tag - can I buy a replacement? Some implanters give you a metal collar tag once they have microchipped your pet. If this is lost please visit your local pet shop or Mr Minute and ask them if they can make you a re-placement. Metal tags last for approximately 5 years. You will need your name, mobile number and postcode on one side and the Petlog telephone number on the other - 08444 633 999. We do not supply one-off tags. We use another brand of microchips - can we use the pet-detect Petlog registration forms? No. We have a problem in our area for animals being stolen - is there anything we can do to reduce the risk? Yes!! Get to know your local Crime Prevention Officer. Every mobile phone has a camera - learn how to use it. Erect signs on your property stating your animals are microchipped and therefore traceable (we sell these signs). Alert your council if you see an unusual community setting up in a caravan site or in a waste ground area. Be vigilant. Remember, no-one cares about you or your property and animals as much as you do. It is sometimes tempting when things get furious - but never put your life at risk for a pet - stay calm - you can always fight another day. O.M.G. - We're in Spain (just use whatever country you are in here) and the local vet does not have a scanner that reads the chip inside my pet and we're travelling soon - help!! We can send a scanner to you that reads ALL known microchips for animals. It's £5 per week plus DHL courier both ways arranged by us. Allow up to 4 - 7 days if you are in Europe or next day if in the UK. Talk to us!! ++ 44 (0)207 483 1118
We are always up-dating the FAQ’s. Feb 2010. |

FAQ's