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A microchip is a tiny injectable glass cylinder about 12-14mm – the size of a grain of rice. It carries a unique number that can be read by a scanner. Microchips are also called transponders.

There is only one purpose – to identify your pet – but there are many situations where this is useful and some where it is compulsory. The two most important situations are:
1. Rehoming lost pets. The chip in your pet will enable vets and rescue organizations to trace you, the owner.
2. International travel: many countries require microchips for pets entering the country. Chip numbers may have to correspond to laboratory and health reports to allow international travel. Governments use microchipping technology to help control the stray pet population.

Microchipping is not regarded as a painful procedure. It’s probably about the same as vaccination. Sedation is generally not required.

A scanner is a device used to read a compatible microchip. It may be a small, hand held device or a larger “walk through” type. It activates the microchip in the pet and displays the unique number in its window or computer display, working through hair, fur, feathers, glass, plastic, wood and many other materials. It is important that the scanners used in your area and the chip in your pet are compatible. We strongly recommend the newer 15 digit numeric code for all new chip insertions, as these are more universally readable. Various countries also promote this standard as the one of choice for entry procedures. It is likely to become the universal standard.

A scanner activates the chip which returns a tiny radio signal. The chip’s number is then displayed on the scanner window. This rescue facility locates the pet owner on the secure database. Apart from the number, no other information is carried on the chip.