The Microchip – a safe, reliable, unique and tamper-proof way of identifying your pet… Written by Dr. Quentin Lawson D.V.M. A microchip is a transponder that contains a unique 15-digit number encoded in its circuitry. It is coated in a silicon capsule that is inert and thus absolutely harmless when inserted in the body of the animal. The microchip is normally injected under the skin in a standard location, such as between the shoulder blades in dogs and cats, or in the neck region in horses. In farm animals such as cows and sheep it is usually contained in ear tags or in ceramic capsules that animal swallows and remains trapped in its stomach. In order to be able to obtain the information contained in the microchip, an ISO-reader must be used. This sends an electro-magnetic signal to the transponder, and this sends back a signal with its numeric-code which in turn is detected and displayed on the reader. The microchip is unable to emit the signal without the reader as it does not contain a battery. For this reason the microchip is absolutely safe and will last the whole life of the animal. A transponder cannot communicate with satellites or any other device that indicates the location of the animal. It is merely a way of assigning a unique number to that animal just like an ID-card. The microchip by itself is absolutely useless unless linked to a database that contains all the relevant information such as the contact details of the animal’s owner. This information is stored in a database, which in the case of Malta is the Malta Pet Net database managed by the Malta Veterinary Association. It is very important that animal owners who have micro-chipped their pets ensure that the relevant information is stored in the Malta Pet Net Database and that it is updated when necessary. Pet owners can ask their veterinarian for assistance, and can also check their pet’s information directly from this website. There is only the legal obligation to microchip dogs in Malta, but the practice is encouraged for all pets (for e.g. cats) as it may help reuniting a lost animal with its owner, and at the same time reducing the number of dogs and cats that end up in sanctuaries. Whenever a lost pet is found it must be taken to a veterinarian to check if a microchip has been implanted. If this is the case the owner of the animal will be contacted.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:09:37 +0000
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