What is the microchip used for in pets?

The implantation of a microchip in our pets has become the most effective tool to control them . In case of loss, abandonment or theft, if someone took him to animal protection or to the vet, he would be immediately identified .

What is the microchip?

The famous microchip is an electronic identification system for animals . This generally consists of two parts: one is the microchip itself, the other is the capsule that contains it. This capsule is made of a smooth, biocompatible glass (does not cause allergies ) and is as small as a grain of rice.

How is the microchip implanted?

The implant must be done by the veterinarian . The expert introduces the capsule into the animal’s body, at the nape of the neck, and through a special instrument injects it inside beyond the layer of skin.

A code of unique numbers is recorded on each chip, a sort of identity card of the animal .

The chip is implanted only once in the life of the animal and remains in its body forever. The information relating to the dog or cat remains recorded in the database of the canine registry of the municipality of reference. The information relating to each chip is recorded: owner’s name , address and one or two telephone contacts.

The chip can be implanted from the first month and a half or two months of the dog’s life . From this age, it can be implanted at any time in the animal’s life.

The correctness of the data reported

It is essential that the data provided to the veterinarian is correct . In fact, that will be the information that will remain recorded in the database and that will be used in case of loss of the animal.

If there is a change of owner or domicile, we must contact the veterinarian immediately , who will make us sign the corresponding documents, so that the changes also appear in the database. Legally, the owner is the one who appears in the database, therefore, he is also responsible for any damage caused by the animal.

Logically, when the animal dies, we will have to communicate it through a document signed by the veterinarian .

The usefulness of the microchip

Implanting the chip in our animals has several advantages :

  • First, it implies a legal recognition of ownership of our animal. The data of the microchip cannot be falsified.
  • If the animal gets lost, both veterinarians and animal protection and authorities will be able to access our data through a dedicated reader .
  • Identification by chip helps to combat abandonment, also because the law punishes those who abandon or mistreat animals with severe penalties . In this way, the identity of the owner, and legal responsible, of the abused or abandoned animal can be certified.

In case of loss or theft …

The most effective action when finding a lost dog or other pet is to immediately notify the local police, animal protection, municipality, animal shelters and  kennels , in case it has been adopted.

In the letter addressed to these bodies and entities, we will indicate the chip number and name of the animal, our personal data and, if we know them, the date and place where our animal was lost or stolen.

Law about it

In Italy, the law obliges dogs to be identified using this system, while for cats it is optional , and it is an indispensable means of recognition in case of abandonment, loss, theft, etc. In some communities the animal is identified through the tattoo as well as the chip, however the electronic system is increasingly widespread.