Microchips for pets work on the basis of implanting a tiny transponder which bears a unique code. This code is read by a special scanner that needs to be placed near to the site of implantation.

The transponder is contained within a tiny glass bead (the size of a long grain of rice). This glass bead is placed under the skin using a special needle. We usually use the shoulder area. The procedure is very quick and virtually painless.

Once implanted, the chip should be there for life, but periodically it is worth rechecking the chip to make sure it is still working OK. This is often done at annual booster check-ups.

The microchips are used as the basis of identification for the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS), but because they are very difficult to tamper with, they can also be used to help protect valuable animals as well as helping find owners when animals have become lost. We have now had countless cases of animals that have been brought to us without any collar or external ID tag yet when they are scanned and found to have a chip; we then can quickly contact the database and the owners are identified. Scanners also used on animals that are picked up by the police or animals wardens as being lost and therefore can then be traced back to their owners.

Microchips are relatively cheap and very useful; we consider them essential for most cats and dogs.

We now stock a newer type of chip (idENTICHIP with BioThermo) which contains all the above information but also records the animal's temperature. Animals fitted with this chip no longer have to suffer having their temperature taken via the conventional route!

By implanting a small, rice-grain sized device under the skin, your animal can be positively identified as your property.