Pet owner

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are all microchips the same?

A. No, there is an international standard which ensures that all scanners can read the number on the microchip but there are differences in both the physical appearance and performance of microchips.

idENTICHIP is the market leading microchip as it manufactured in Europe using high quality materials and standards. It is also unique in having an outer collar fitted which fixes the microchip in the tissue to ensure no chance of it moving whilst in the animal and so always being in the correct place to be scanned.

 

Q: Is it compulsory to have my pet microchipped?

A: It is currently only compulsory to have your dog microchipped in Northern Ireland, everywhere else is in the UK it is not compulsory. Under the Pet Passport Travel Scheme a dog or cat must be microchipped if it leaves the UK and returns.

 

Q: Where can I have my pet microchipped?

A: Contact your local veterinary surgeon, pet rescue centre or dog warden for advice or click here to find your nearest implanter.

 

Q: How long does the microchip last?

A: The microchip should last for the life of your pet.

 

Q. Will having the microchip implanted hurt my pet.

A. Implanting the chip will cause no more pain than a normal injection as the needles are specifically designed for the purpose.

 

Q. At what age can I have my pet /horse implanted.

A. There is no minimum age, the implanter will be trained to ensure it is safe.

For most cats and dogs it would be done at the time of the first vaccinations, whereas horses can be done at birth.

 

Q: How can I change my address?

A: If you have your pets microchip number and the security code, which can be found on your pets idENTICHIP certificate you can amend your details on this website, using your credit / debit card details for payment.

Alternatively you can send the slip at the foot of the certificate or a letter with your pets microchip number and new address details along with a cheque or postal order for £6.


Q: How do I change the ownership on my pet’s microchip? 

A: If you have your pet’s microchip number and the security code, which can be found on your pet’s idENTICHIP certificate you can amend your details on this website, using your credit / debit card details for payment.

Alternatively you can send the slip at the foot of the certificate or a letter with your pet’s microchip number and new address details along with a cheque or postal order for £6. If a letter is sent to us that is not signed by the registered owner to request a change of ownership we have to send a relinquishment letter to them. By law we have to give them 30 days to reply. If we don't receive a reply to the letter after this time we are legally allowed to amend the relevant details on our database.


Q:If I move abroad should I let you know?

A: Yes, we would advise that you follow the change of address procedure outlined above. Our main reason for this is if your pet were to go missing abroad the scanners may detect the microchip as a microchip implanted in  England and the authorities or vets may phone Anibase for details.

We would also advise that you speak to a local vet in the country in question to arrange for your pet to be registered on their main re-unification database.