Microchipping

It is sensible to ensure permanent identification of your dog, no matter whether much loved family pet or valuable show dog. Permanent identification is primarily designed to provide an effective means of reuniting owners with dogs that have strayed. Other important uses are in connection with the eradication of certain inherited diseases in pedigree stock.

Are there any other forms of permanent identification?

Until the introduction of the microchip some years ago tattooing was the only permanent method of positive identification. 

Tattooing however does have disadvantages: 

• Tattoos can fade and be difficult to decipher.  
• Tattoos can also be altered or defaced by the unscrupulous. 

Traditionally the most common pet identifier is the collar and name disc (tag). Collars and discs (tags) can be lost and it is common for the identifying tag, be it an engraved disc or other type of tag containing owner information, to become damaged, defaced or otherwise unreadable.

Every year thousands of well-cared for pets end up being re-homed or put to sleep simply because their owners cannot be readily located.

What is microchipping?

A microchip is about the size of a small grain of rice. With sterile precautions this is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. Most veterinary practices today undertake chip implantation.  

"A microchip is about the size of a small grain of rice. With sterile precautions this is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades."

The procedure need not be carried out by a qualified veterinarian, provided the implanter has undergone a course of instruction. In consequence many charity clinics, rescue centres and dog wardens, may also offer the service. 

However there are advantages in having the chipping carried out at your veterinary practice since your veterinarian is the best person to be able to discuss any concerns you may have. Furthermore, on subsequent visits, he will be more than happy to check the chip to allay any fears you may have regarding possible migration.

How does the system work?

The inserted chip bears a unique code which, together with the owner’s details, are recorded on the microchip company’s data base. In addition, there are also several other national data bases that are accredited by the AVA. Currently these are Australasian Animal Registry and Central Animal Records. Both these are national registries and are not restricted by state. Most veterinary practices and councils will also record the microchip details.

Today scanners are widely available. Most veterinary practices, many re-homing centres and charities routinely scan any animals thought to be straying. In addition scanners are held by the police, local council dog rangers and RSPCA inspectors.

Once taken into care the dog is scanned and if microchipped the unique code recorded by the scanner can be entered into the central data bases, council registration records or veterinary practice records from which owners details can be obtained and contact established. Thus the dog can happily soon be returned home.

What are the disadvantages?

• Microchipping, to date is probably the most infallible identification system available. However, it still depends upon current owners’ details being kept on the national data base and so it is essential that the microchip registries are notified if owner details or address change.
• Microchipping is an invisible method of identification requiring the dog to be correctly scanned with a reader. For privacy reasons, owner details are only available from the council and microchip registries by authorised persons, which may include veterinarians, police, dog rangers and RSPCA inspectors.
• Migration of the chip is a worry to many owners. Although it is true that implanted chips can migrate from their original position, this is usually only a short distance. Therefore it is always worthwhile ensuring that during a routine visit to your vet you have your dog scanned to check that the chip is readily readable.

What happens if the microchip cannot be read?

It is important that the dog is scanned carefully to make sure that the chip has not moved. If it has relocated, a note should be made of its current position. On very rare occasions, despite careful searching and using different scanners, a few chips have failed to be revealed. Under these circumstances another chip can be inserted. 

If I have a new chip inserted, what happens if the other one suddenly becomes readable?

It is important that the original code is not eliminated from the database and that up-to-date owner details are maintained for both chips. Then, should on a subsequent scanning, the original chip come to light the owner can still be located. 

Microchip identification is probably the most reliable, permanent means of identification available today. However its ultimate reliability is dependent upon the details entered on the national microchip registries data base. If you are to have peace of mind it is essential that any change of ownership, change of address or other details should be notified to the national registries. If your dog is lost, identification depends upon scanning being carried out. With increasing numbers of accessible scanners, the chances of a lost microchipped dog not being scanned are minimal. However for your peace of mind there is no reason whatsoever why you should not also make sure your pet always wears a collar with name and address attached.