Southern
Counties
Agency for the
Management and
Placement of
Strays
Microchipping
Q & A
1.What is a Microchip?
A Microchip is a small electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice. It is coded with a unique number that can be read by a scanner. This number is linked to the owner’s details held at a central database.
2.How is it implanted?
The microchip is injected under the dogs skin using a special, sterile implanting system.
3.Where is it implanted?
In dogs, the microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades.
4.Does it hurt?
The procedure is no more painful than a standard vaccination, and no anaesthetic is required.
5.How does it stay in place?
The chip is encased in a special substance, which stops the body rejecting it, and encourages the dog’s body tissue to attach itself, preventing movement of the chip.
6.How is the microchip ‘read’?
When a scanner is passed over a microchip, the low frequency radio waves produced by the scanner activate the microchip, allowing the unique number to be read.
7.How are owners traced?
Any dog found straying and handed to a Local Authority Dog Warden will be routinely scanned for a microchip. If one is found, the national database (PetLog) is contacted. The owner’s details are passed to the Dog Warden, and the owner is contacted.
It is vital that PetLog is informed of any change to owner’s contact details!
Other agencies such as vets or animal welfare organisations can also check microchips
8.Where can I get my dog microchipped?
Most vets can do this, and S.C.A.M.P.S. are pleased to offer a special reduced cost microchipping service. Contact us on team@scamps4straydogs.org for further information
