A microchip is a small radio frequency emitting device, about the size of a grain of rice which is injected under your pet’s skin; they are the most effective form of permanent identification for your pet. Each microchip has its own unique code which is registered on to a local council and national database, along with details of your animal and owner information such as name, address and phone number. This means if your microchipped pet is ever lost and handed in at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter or to the council they can be scanned to access this code and information so you can be quickly reunited. Microchips can also assist where the ownership of an animal is in dispute.

Microchip implantation can be done in a regular consult and generally does not require anaesthetic or sedation. However if an ear tattoo is required (these are commonly done to quickly identify a pet has been microchipped), this will need to done under anaesthetic and is usually done at time of desexing. As of July 1st 2018 microchipping of all dogs and cats in South Australia is now compulsory. Birds, ferrets and rabbits can also be microchipped.

If your pet is not microchipped please give us a call to make an appointment to have one inserted. If you find a lost pet please call us to arrange a scan, we can reunite them with their owner.