INTRODUCTION TO MICROCHIPPING

Back in the early 1990's, Messrs Kennedy & Co were commissioned to undertake the introduction of electronic tagging (chipping) of companion animals (a.k.a. Radio Frequency Identification - RFID) in a bid to establish a national database for our companion animals, including lost and stolen pets, but also in preparation for the Pet Passport Scheme, which was eventually introduced in the UK in February 2000. The idea was simple - all qualifying pets would carry a small implantable pet ID glass cylindrical device in the fatty tissue just under the skin, between the shoulder blades. That pet ID device would carry a 15 digit number that could be matched to the pet owner by searching a national database. The microchip number is recorded on the database together with the owner details. That database is run by the UK Kennel Club and is called Petlog. And so in 1996, a revised and final version of the microchipping ISO (meaning International Standard) 11784/5 for companion animals was born. DEFRA oversee the Standard for the UK, and in the main, the system works very well. Even if a pet is lost overseas, provided it has an ISO compliant microchip (and it is registered on the Petlog database) the chances are greatly enhanced of it being reunited with its owner.

THE UK REUNIFICATION DATABASE

Petlog is the official UK database run by the UK Kennel Club. They have one 24/7 telephone number - 0870 6066 751. When calling them, you must first select the category you are enquiring about, and then you are put through to a human being - thankfully not a frustrating call centre. They currently charge £1.00 for the LIFE-LONG registration of your pet, however, this will increase to £2.00 mid 2008. This fee is part of the microchip price, so the microchip Distributor will pass the payment on to Petlog once that chip has been implanted and registered. Everything revolves around the microchip number so make sure you have that to hand before you call them. Other databases do exist in the UK, but they are small in comparison and are mainly dedicated to a particular brand of microchip. In our opinion, that makes them virtually useless, because they offer a limited service and their contact numbers are not familiar to the people who may have to use them i.e. dog wardens, vets, police, rescues etc. Pet-detect® works in conjunction with Petlog and we also operate a 'back-tracking' system for those times when a microchip number has not been registered for whatever reason. Petlog are also part of EuroNet, who cleverly connect several European databases together - this is all included in the Petlog one-off registration fee. www.petmaxx.com is a FREE on-line microchip DATABASE locator - just type in the microchip number and it will show you the name and contact number of the database that particular microchip is registered with.

WHY HAVE YOUR PET MICROCHIPPED?

Well, to start off with, just imagine how you would feel if you and your pet were separated whilst on a trip or a country walk? Miles of open fields and woodland and no pooch in sight... Scary! Or, you left your dog securely on a leash outside a shop, for just a few moments mind you, only to find someone had stolen it? Now comes the crunch - many UNIDENTIFIED pets are never reunited with their rightful owners and some are even destroyed by the authorities. That's not going to happen to your pet, you say? Think about it - it only takes an open door or gate or even a cute gal across the road who's on heat OR maybe someone just wants to own a dog / cat like YOURS, and is prepared to 'procure-order' it! Insurance money does not cover the heartache. Pet microchipping, also known as pet tagging, is easy, cheap and causes very little discomfort during the implantation procedure. Most animals don't even bat an eyelid - sure, some dogs such as whippets and greyhounds do cry, as do some small breeds (BTW, vets report the pet-detect system is the gentlest of them all) but in general, it is by far and away the kindest way of permanently identifying animals - fact.

Petlog, the Kennel Club’s Pet Identification Service

There are currently over 3.5 million microchipped animals supported by the Petlog service and it has been recognised by all animal concerned organisations the importance of encouraging and promoting responsible pet ownership through microchipping as the preferred method of permanent identification.

Petlog gives you:

• 24 hours a day, 7 days a week reunification service
• A fully staffed helpline
• The only UK member of the European Pet Network. That means if you pet is found in Europe, authorised agencies can help bring you and your pet back together.

How Do I Join?

Step One

Contact Billinghay Kennels
Bryan will implant the microchip and it takes only a few minutes. You should complete the Lifetime Microchip Registration Form, in some cases you may also be able to upgrade to Petlog Premium at this point.

Please note that the Petlog database has access to all UK Suppliers Microchips for 24/7 Reunification with the exception of Avid Pettrac only (These Microchip numbers begin with 977, 250 or can start with a 1 and end in an A).

Step Two

National Pet Identification Service
Once microchipped with a chip that is part of the Petlog Scheme, your details will be added to Petlog's National Pet Identification database. Access to this database for reuniting lost pets with their owners is available to authorised agencies 24 hours a day throughout the year. You will also have access to your information on thier website so you can keep your details up to date.

We can also scan any animal to see if they have already been chipped