INTRODUCTION TO MICROCHIPPING

Back in the early 1990's, Messrs Kennedy & Co were commissioned to undertake the introduction of electronic tagging (chipping) of companion animals (a.k.a. Radio Frequency Identification - RFID) in a bid to establish a national database for our companion animals, including lost and stolen pets, but also in preparation for the Pet Passport Scheme, which was eventually introduced in the UK in February 2000. The idea was simple - all qualifying pets would carry a small implantable pet ID glass cylindrical device in the fatty tissue just under the skin, between the shoulder blades. That pet ID device would carry a 15 digit number that could be matched to the pet owner by searching a national database. The microchip number is recorded on the database together with the owner details. That database is run by the UK Kennel Club and is called Petlog. And so in 1996, a revised and final version of the microchipping ISO (meaning International Standard) 11784/5 for companion animals was born. DEFRA oversee the Standard for the UK, and in the main, the system works very well. Even if a pet is lost overseas, provided it has an ISO compliant microchip (and it is registered on the Petlog database) the chances are greatly enhanced of it being reunited with its owner.

THE UK REUNIFICATION DATABASE

Petlog is the official UK database run by the UK Kennel Club. They have one 24/7 telephone number - 0870 6066 751. When calling them, you must first select the category you are enquiring about, and then you are put through to a human being - thankfully not a frustrating call centre. They currently charge £1.00 for the LIFE-LONG registration of your pet, however, this will increase to £2.00 mid 2008. This fee is part of the microchip price, so the microchip Distributor will pass the payment on to Petlog once that chip has been implanted and registered. Everything revolves around the microchip number so make sure you have that to hand before you call them. Other databases do exist in the UK, but they are small in comparison and are mainly dedicated to a particular brand of microchip. In our opinion, that makes them virtually useless, because they offer a limited service and their contact numbers are not familiar to the people who may have to use them i.e. dog wardens, vets, police, rescues etc. Pet-detect® works in conjunction with Petlog and we also operate a 'back-tracking' system for those times when a microchip number has not been registered for whatever reason. Petlog are also part of EuroNet, who cleverly connect several European databases together - this is all included in the Petlog one-off registration fee. www.petmaxx.com is a FREE on-line microchip DATABASE locator - just type in the microchip number and it will show you the name and contact number of the database that particular microchip is registered with.

WHY HAVE YOUR PET MICROCHIPPED?

Well, to start off with, just imagine how you would feel if you and your pet were separated whilst on a trip or a country walk? Miles of open fields and woodland and no pooch in sight... Scary! Or, you left your dog securely on a leash outside a shop, for just a few moments mind you, only to find someone had stolen it? Now comes the crunch - many UNIDENTIFIED pets are never reunited with their rightful owners and some are even destroyed by the authorities. That's not going to happen to your pet, you say? Think about it - it only takes an open door or gate or even a cute gal across the road who's on heat OR maybe someone just wants to own a dog / cat like YOURS, and is prepared to 'procure-order' it! Insurance money does not cover the heartache. Pet microchipping, also known as pet tagging, is easy, cheap and causes very little discomfort during the implantation procedure. Most animals don't even bat an eyelid - sure, some dogs such as whippets and greyhounds do cry, as do some small breeds (BTW, vets report the pet-detect system is the gentlest of them all) but in general, it is by far and away the kindest way of permanently identifying animals - fact.

THE MICROCHIP

If you own a pet that has a microchip, or you are a veterinary surgeon or an Appropriately Trained Implanter, you need to know that the microchip you are using is reliable AND fully compliant with the ISO regulations in effect for the UK and Europe - the pet-detect® microchipping system is fully compliant AND is recognized as one of the best chips you can buy! In dogs and cats and small furries, the chip sits in the fatty tissue just under the skin and is TOTALLY inert - no batteries, no magnets and no moving parts. The pet-detect® microchip has the LEAST amount of components than any other brand - reliability is built in. Are all chips the same? - NO WAY!! SMALL is best! So make sure the chips you use fall into the category of Micro-Transponders (those under 12mm in length). Needle sharpness is also CRUCIAL. The pet-detect® chip measures 11.5mm and the needle has a double-edged bevel and is as sharp as a scalpel. Chips will only surrender their microchip number when in close proximity to a microchip RFID scanner.

TRAINING COURSES

If you wish to LEARN how to microchip companion animals then you should look at our 3-hour training classes that are designed for ease of understanding and offer one-to-one guidance by a QUALIFIED veterinary surgeon and an EXPERIENCED tutor (don't fall for those so-called 'free' training courses - they are unable to offer you the comprehensive training you need to feel really confident with your new skill AND the high standard expected by your clients). We're all familiar with the old adage 'if it's too good to be true…' Let's face it, nothing of value is given away free! The Pet Chip Company Ltd is the LARGEST Learning Provider for microchipping companion animals in the UK. Classes start at 1.00pm and finish at 4.00pm and are normally held on either Saturday or Sunday at venues across the UK. See our Training Course section and also check out the FAQ's and Testimonials for a real flavour of what to expect. Once trained, you can microchip your own litters AND offer your clients a Microchipping Service. Normally between 200 and 400% margin depending on how much profit you want to make. Great for Rescues who wish to raise additional funds. Begin by ordering your Starter Pack on the day of the course and you will receive a handy tear-drop ruck sack as a thank you gift (this only applies to orders placed on the day of the course). You can store all your equipment in the ruck-sack - neat idea?

GUARANTEES

All our products are 100% guaranteed against manufacturing faults for ONE YEAR. We offer a no-quibble returns policy where we refund the FULL price of the microchips, provided they are still in their blister packs. There is a £10.00 Admin Charge for amending the records and databases. IN ADDITION, those Implanters who 'mis-fire chips' i.e. make a mistake when implanting (and who hasn't?) and otherwise would have to throw that chip/s away (and forego the profit) can now RETURN them to us when placing their next order, and we'll replace them!!

THE PET CHIP COMPANY LTD - PET-DETECT®

TRUSTED, PROFFESSIONAL AND DEDICATED