MICROCHIP MONTH

June is national microchip month, and we at Shropshire Hills Vets are planning some exciting offers, competitions and more to encourage everyone to get their pets microchipped.

What is a microchip?

A microchip (or identichip) is a small piece of technology, about the size of a rice grain, that carries a unique number.   This number can be 'read' with a scanner from a short distance away.

How is it placed?

The microchip is placed under the skin over the animals shoulders with the aid of a needle.   The needle is about 10 times the width of a normal hypodermic needle but is very sharp, so that it causes little or no pain as it is implanted.

Does it cause any problems?

Very rarely there can be a little pain or bleeding after the needle is inserted.   Reactions to the chip are very, very rare and usually temporary.   We prefer not to place a chip on a puppy or kitten's first vaccination.

Can the chip fail?

Again this is very rare.   We check chips when we do vaccinations or blood tests for the pet passport  scheme.   It is a good idea to have the microchip checked before you travel abroad.

How is a pet registered?

When we implant the chip we register your chosen details with a central register.   If you move or change details, it is your responsibility to change these with the register.   There is a further charge for this and, if you are likely to move several times, it is worth paying to register and up-front fee for multiple detail changes.   Numbers are unique so there is no confusion.

Is it just for dogs and cats?

No, everything from horses to tortoises can be microchipped.

Is it just for identification?

There are now chips that allow body temperature to be read with a scanner rather than a conventional thermometer.   In development are microchips that will allow blood glucose to be monitored without the need for multiple blood tests.   Cat flaps that can be set to allow only certain microchipped cats through are far easier to use than those requiring bulky collars and are a great way to keep out an aggressive stray, whilst letting your own cat in.   We have one on display at the surgery which Flora will be happy to demonstrate.

At Shropshire Hills Vets, we want to encourage all pets to be microchipped so, for June only, we are prepared to implant the microchip and do the initial registration for £7.50,  HALF OUR NORMAL PRICE!

We are also running competitions for adults and children to publicise national microchip month - drop in for further details.