Do I need to keep records of all implantations that I carry out?
Yes, this is extremely important. The backtrack system is in place to ensure that if required we can identify when, where and what microchip was implanted into an individual animal, as well as what keeper and animal details were originally registered alongside that microchip on the Petlog database. This information may be required for example in cases where registration wasn’t completed successfully, or incorrect contact details were registered and are needed to help reunite an animal with it’s owner.
Can anyone buy your microchips?
As a member of the Microchip Trade Association, we abide by a code of conduct to only supply microchipping equipment to implanters whom we can verify have been appropriately trained - including meeting the training requirements outlined in any relevant legislation. If we cannot verify this training, then you will not be permitted to purchase microchips from us. We promote the responsible supply of microchips to trained persons only.
What is the minimum number of microchips I can buy?
Our microchips are sold in boxes of 10 - we operate a simple bulk discount pricelist so the more microchips purchased the cheaper the price per microchip. UK implanters can get a significant saving when registering the animals onto the Petlog database online. Once you have been setup with an authorised online account with Petlog it is a very easy process, and we recommend this method of registration. Paper records can still be kept by using our online ‘jotter’ forms available on the downloads page.
We wish to change over to your microchips - what do we have to do?
If you are a veterinary practice, all we require is your vet PIN code at the time of placing your first order with us.
For any other person, we will need to be able to verify your training at the time of placing your first order with us.
Once your training has been verified, subsequent orders for microchips and equipment can be made via our website or by phone.
We use another brand of microchips - can we use the 'petDetect' Petlog paper registration forms?
No. Please contact the supplier of your microchips.
I am an Implanter and my address/contact details have changed - whom do I need to inform?
We need to be contacted by phone or email to ensure we keep your delivery address and contact details up to date when processing your orders. We will then notify Petlog of these changes as well so they can update their records. This is also extremely important incase petDetect or Petlog need to contact you for backtrack purposes.
What happens if I misfire a microchip?
We understand how frustrating misfires can be. If implanters misfire a microchip they need to look at their technique, whether the animal was restrained effectively and also check their implant equipment. A misfire on a very rare occasion is understandable, however if implanters are misfiring regularly then do give us a call and we can advise you accordingly about remedying this. Many misfires occur when implanters are using the two part system because the wrong size implanter tool was used with the wrong size microchip, either another manufacturers implanter or a regular implaner for mini microchips and vice versa. Please click here for more information.
Alternatively misfires also commonly occur because the trigger/plunger of the implanter was depressed too early, too late, or the Implanter failed to depress the trigger fully. With some implanters using the gun style tool we see them wrapping fingers around the 'trigger' on the implant gun as they push, if they encounter resistance or movement then this often results in them squeezing the trigger and misfiring. If this is happening, then we recommend switching to the syringe type implanter or the all-in-one format microchips - most vets prefer these.
What is the Chip Fairy?
The Chip Fairy was a microchip replacement service for misfired microchips that was offered by The Pet Chip Company Ltd who traded as pet-detect. A misfire normally occurs due to incorrect implantation technique or inadequate restraint, and whilst the odd misfire may occur very rarely, if you are misfiring on a regular basis we recommend contacting us on 01962 813 554 so we can discuss remedying this.
Please note that from 1st May 2015 this service is no longer offered by petDetect. We would prefer to work with implanters to remedy misfires and prevent them occuring rather than simply offering to replace them.
My sharps box is full - how do I dispose of it legally?
By law a sharps box must be incinerated. You are unable to do this, so please make enquiries with your local council to ask if they offer a sharps drop-off or pick-up service. Alternatively, you can ask any company or clinic that are dealing with needles if they can take yours for disposal. They may ask for a small fee to do this. You can buy a replacement sharps box from a chemist or alternatively we can supply them to you.
A microchip that I implanted is now not scanning - what do I do?
True mechanical failure of microchips is very rare, many cases of microchips failing to scan are due to scanner errors or incorrect scanning technique. Other possible causes are that the microchip wasn’t successfully implanted in the first instance, or the microchip migrated and was expulsed from the body soon after implantation.
Firstly, ensure that the animal is scanned thoroughly, with two different scanners preferably. For more information on proper scanning technique please click here. If a microchip is still not found and the implantation has only just taken place, scan the floor and table where the implantation took place, and the microchip needle, as the microchip may be found there.
If not found then please contact us on 01962 813 554 for further advice before inserting another microchip. The only way to distinguish whether a microchip has failed or has been expelled from the body is to radiograph or ultrasound the implant area.
Remember that adverse events relating to microchips implanted in dogs in England, Wales and Scotland must now be reported to the VMD, see our FAQs- Adverse Events page for more information.
What do I need to do as an Implanter for the new compulsory microchipping legislation for dogs in England?
Please see our FAQs- Compulsory Microchipping page for all the information you will need as an Implanter.