Microchip

Background

Permanent identification of dogs through microchipping has many benefits. In pedigree dogs it facilitates the reporting of hereditary health problems. In all dogs it can help reunite strays with their owners, help tackle puppy farming and encourage responsible ownership.
What the BVA has done

We called for the compulsory identification of all registered pedigree dogs in Feb 2009
In May 2010, the BVA’s Veterinary Policy Group developed a policy statement on the compulsory microchipping of all dogs and called for new legislation
In relation to dangerous dogs we have called for compulsory microchipping in our joint BVA/BSAVA response to Defra’s recent consultation
Compulsory microchipping is also included in the Dog Control Bill put forward by the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group, of which the BVA is a member.
Recent Developments

At the end of June an Early Day Motion was tabled in the House of Commons, recognising that compulsory microchipping would have a significant and positive welfare impact on dogs and their owners. In Wales, the Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has proposed new legislation on dog breeding, which includes compulsory microchipping. A public consultation will open shortly.

Millions of dogs become lost each year. Tragically, few are reunited with their owners. Many lost dogs end up in shelters where they are adopted out to new homes or even euthanized. It is important that your dog has identification at all times. Collars and tags are essential, but they can fall off or become damaged. Technology has made it possible to equip your pet with a microchip for permanent identification.
How it Works
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It consists of a tiny computer chip housed in a type of glass made to be compatible with living tissue. The microchip is implanted between the dog’s shoulder blades under the skin with a needle and special syringe. The process is similar to getting a shot. Little to no pain is experienced – most dogs do not seem to even feel it being implanted. Once in place, the microchip can be detected immediately with a handheld device that uses radio waves to read the chip. This device scans the microchip, and then displays a unique alphanumeric code. Once the microchip is placed, the dog must be registered with the microchip company, usually for a one-time fee. Then, the dog can be traced back to the owner if found.
Things You Should Know

Microchips are designed to last for the life of a dog. They do not need to be charged or replaced.
Some microchips have been known to migrate from the area between the shoulder blades, but the instructions for scanning emphasize the need to scan the dog’s entire body.
A microchipped dog can be easily identified if found by a shelter or veterinary office in possession of a scanner. However, some shelters and veterinary offices do not have scanners.
Depending on the brand of microchip and the year it was implanted, even so-called universal scanners may not be able to detect the microchip.
Microchip manufacturers, veterinarians and animal shelters have been working on solutions to the imperfections, and technology continues to improve over time.

Here at Marhystin Gundogs we are qualified Micro-chippers and will Microchip you dog for the cost of £10 per dog, please call to make an appointment