Microchipping
Overview Introduction to Microchipping • Available Products • Implanting Procedure • Health and Safety • Registering Procedure • Business Considerations • Common Problems • Questions
History of animal identification • Collars – Control of Dogs Order 1992
• Tattooing • Microchipping – Animal Welfare Act 2006 (amended 2016)
What is a microchip? • • • •
Small Biocompatible glass Long life Pre-programmed
How does a microchip work? • Scanner sends out radio wave • Chip is energised • Chip transmits code to scanner • Scanner displays code
958000004937524 SCANNING
For a microchip to be effective‌ It needs to: 1. Be implanted in the animal! 2. Be registered with the correct details!
What is microchip migration? • In subcutaneous tissue • Can move under skin • Prevent this by – Implanting centrally – Biocompatible glass
Why microchip? • • • • •
Proof of ownership Reunite lost pets Stop thieves Cat flaps Passports
What animals can I chip? • Dogs • Cats
Microchipping horses, birds or reptiles must only be done by a vet
Statistics of microchipping Owned dogs
Microchipped
Not microchipped
Straydogs dogs Stray
Microchipped Not microchipped Microchipped Euthanased Not microchipped
Overview • Introduction to Microchipping Available Products • Implanting Procedure • Health and Safety • Registering Procedure • Business Considerations • Common Problems • Questions
Brands of microchips • Size of chip • Database • Compatible with Petlog
Brands of microchips
Brands of scanners What matters to you? – Price – Speed
What matters to the dog? – Size – Noise
BEEP!
Overview • Introduction to Microchipping • Available Products Implanting Procedure • Health and Safety • Registering Procedure • Business Considerations • Common Problems • Questions
Where should the microchip be? • In Zone A • (Always scan other zones as chip may have migrated)
Using the scanner • Turn on scanner • Hold scanner – Coil facing the animal – Close to coat
• Scan Zone A • If not found, scan everywhere else!
Implanting procedure 958000004937524 NO CHIP FOUND
• Scan animal • Scan chip • Implant chip • Scan chip in animal
Implanting tips • • • •
Position the animal Triangular grip Bevel facing up Grip – Like gun – Upside down
Overview • Introduction to Microchipping • Available Products • Implanting Procedure Health and Safety • Registering Procedure • Business Considerations • Common Problems • Questions
Health and Safety • Needles – Never re-sheath them – Keep other hand out of the way – Use a sharps bin
• Wash your hands!
Positioning the dog • • • • •
Right or left handed? Instruct helper Squeeze skin Good grip Feel microchip
Restraining the dog If cooperative dog – Hold firmly – Distract with biscuits – Praise him
If uncooperative dog – Muzzle – Hold firmly
Overview • Introduction to microchipping • Available products • Implanting procedure • Health and Safety Registering Procedure • Business considerations • Common problems • Questions
Registering process • Recognised database • Online or paper • Postal confirmation Owner MUST keep details up-to-date!
Registering process - Online • Request username and password
Registering process - Paper • Complete registration form • Owner signs form • Three copies: – Database copy – Implanter copy – Owner copy
Looking up a microchip • Enter your details • Enter microchip number • Call owner!
If no response – local vets and dog warden
Looking up a microchip
Overview • Introduction to microchipping • Available products • Implanting procedure • Health and Safety • Registering Procedure Business considerations • Common problems • Questions
Where to advertise?
Pricing structure Too expensive cheap – your – Perfect! few business people will use be your uneconomic service. Profit Uptake of service Uptake of service Uptake of service
Chip cost Profit Overheads Chip cost Profit Overheads Chip cost Overheads
Pricing structure
Free
£10
£20
£30
Target Market Consider:
It’s going to be law!
Pet shops Dog walkers Dog groomers
Everyone who owns a dog
Pet sitters
Training classes
Boarding kennels
Owner Expectations • • • • •
A chip is not a GPS! May be painful Don’t try to ‘feel’ chip Infections Confirmation in 5-10 days
A chip is only as good as the information on it!
Overview • Introduction to Microchipping • Available Products • Implanting Procedure • Health and Safety • Registering Procedure • Business Considerations Common Problems • Questions
Oh dear - I’ve just scanned the dog but it is already microchipped. What do I do?
• Inform owner • Give them Petlog’s number • Inform Petlog of the chip ID
I’m sure I’ve just microchipped the dog but the scanner isn’t picking up a signal. What do I do?
• Scan slowly over site you’ve checked • IfScan needle and that gun the chip working, • isCheck floorhas fired correctly and you’re scanning the right • Check fur place - this shouldn’t happen!
Oops – I’ve implanted the chip but pulled it halfway out with the needle. What do I do?
• Either push it back and pinch the skin • Or start again!
Oh no! I’ve implanted the chip but the animal is bleeding. What do I do?
• • • •
Warn the owner first Distract the animal Apply pressure Warn owner not to touch site for 24h
Ouch! I’ve given the chip but the dog moved and I’ve jabbed my finger. What do I do?
• • • • •
Keep calm – it happens! Wash wound well Use antiseptic Apply plaster See a doctor if wound swells
Overview • Introduction to Microchipping • Available Products • Implanting Procedure • Health and Safety • Registering Procedure • Business Considerations • Common Problems Questions
Any questions?