March Edition 2018
Find my Home
It's quite common for there to be a mention of a lost pet on social media. However when pets are found it's often difficult to contact the owners since the pet might not have a collar or tag with contact details.
Microchipping ensures that even without these tags we can still ensure pets are reunited with their true owners. Anyone could attempt to claim a pet advertised as found on social media and who would know the truth?
We asked a few residents who have dogs that have these chips to explain a little about the microchip process.
What is the microchip?
People sometimes think, and fear, that we've installed a computer into our pets. The device is actually the size of a single grain of rice. It has no battery or moving parts and it simply holds a unique number that a handheld radio wave scanner can read through the skin.
How is the microchip implanted?
In our dog the microchip is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades using a sterile needle. The entire process takes a few minutes and causes no more discomfort to the animal than a standard vaccination. Once inserted the microchip attaches itself to the animals body tissue preventing it from moving around and it never needs to be repaired or removed.
Are there any side effects?
The microchip has no battery, no moving parts, no parts to ever replace, it's inert and biocompatible. After the initial injection our dog quickly forgot about it.
How does the microchip work?
The chip is like a barcode on a product except that it is a unique number to just one pet. The database will hold your contact details against that unique number.
A radio signal transmitted from a hand held scanner placed against the animals body can read this number.
We've heard some people imagine it works just like google maps where your mobile phone can track your location around the world.....it doesn't! This is a very short range device and is not GPS active. You'll need to invest in an alternative system for that to happen.
Who has a scanner?
Most veterinary practices, Local Authorities and animal welfare groups will have these scanners and access to the data base of registered owners.
How are the owners traced?
If a dog is microchipped, the person scanning the dog will enter the dog's microchip number into the database and contact his owner.
This is why it is so important to notify your microchip database provider if you change address, mobile or landline phone number!
It's also vital that the owners details are correct since you will need to bring proof of ID and Address in order to reclaim your pet.
Where can I get my pet microchipped?
Most veterinary practices in Ireland can microchip your pets, along with a growing number of Local Authorities and animal welfare groups.
How much does it usually cost?
Contact your Local Authority Dog Warden for information on any local microchipping schemes that may be running.
Vets charge between €20-€50 to have your dog microchipped.
Dogs Trusts microchip all dogs that come into their care before they are rehomed.
If you don't have your pet microchipped then you'll regret it when you lose your pet.
If you find a pet and are able to take it to the vet they will be able to contact the owner.
Contacts
046 909 7200
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