Wirtualna Polska writes about micro chipping and SAFE-ANIMAL

Added: 30/03/2012

Give your pet a unique number

It’s the size of a rice grain, the info it contains can save a pet's life. A chip implanted into the body of our pet is not a fad.
Electronic chips are used mostly to ID dogs. They can, however, be injected into other animals. It's well worth consideration, as micro chipping prevents animal homelessness and helps determine pet's owner if it gets lost. It also signifies a greater sense of responsibility of the owner, especially in case of dogs which - if let loose - could bite somebody. Micro chipping should be considered by people planning to take their dog on a journey in the EU, where chips are required.

Information sealed in size of a grain of rice


An electronic chip is minute - the size of a grain of rice. It is injected under the skin - usually in the neck or between shoulder blades. It doesn't disturb the animal and causes no allergic reactions. Experts assure the procedure isn't painful.

Obviously, chipping must be performed by a vet. In the clinic, the owner receives a confirmation of electronic ID of their pet. A unique number (coded in the chip) is written in the pet's health certificate or passport.

If need be, the number will be read by a special device that “scans” the animal. It can be done by a vet or a street warden.

The number is then searched for in an electronic database that contains information about owners. “There are a few databases for chipped animals. We lack one, central base. From what I know, there is going to be an act which will introduce in Poland an obligation to chip dogs and create a central database”, informs Michał Piotrowski from the press office of the Municipal Office in Gdańsk.

Currently, the dog and owner's data can be entered into e.g. Safe-Animal International Database at www.safe-animal.eu. If your pet's details are not registered yet, you can do it yourself.

A number for a lovely pet

Many pet owners ask themselves if chipping is obligatory and if it really helps find lost animal.

“According to valid Regulations for cleanliness and order in the city of Gdańsk, chipping IS obligatory", says Michał Piotrowski. “Every year, a few dozens of lost, chipped dogs are safely and quickly returned home. They do not increase the number of homeless pets in shelters. Chipping is also helpful if we need to determine the owner in case of theft.
Understandably, for many owners the cost of micro chipping is an important factor. It varies from city to city: prices range between 50 up to even 150 PLN. There are many counties in Poland where chipping is free.
“Not all cities carry out campaigns for animal micro chipping. Some of them charge nothing, some of them require a fee and the price range is very varied. In Gdańsk citizens are eligible for free chipping.
It’s been like that since 1996”, says Michał Piotrowski. “You can request a microchip for a cat in a clinic that provides such services. It can cost approx. several dozen zlotys, depending on the clinic's price list”.

Is it possible to chip other animals, such as lizards, rats, mice? “Every pet owner can, if they wish, chip an animal. The city, however, doesn’t oblige owners to chip these animals”, explains Michał Piotrowski.

I miss my Mistress!

If our pet doesn’t have a chip, we should prepare an ID that will be on it at all times, especially outdoors. It can be a card attached to the collar or a metal plate with owner's address engraved. Simple info:

I'm (dog's name)
I miss my Mistress!
Our phone number

can really help find our beloved pet if it runs too far.

Link to the article




×

Any questions?

Enter your data:

× How can I help you?

 

Garfield and Reksio®

the official logo of SAFE-ANIMAL

© Paws. All Rights Reserved.


Copyright © 2021 SAFE-ANIMAL UK LTD
272 Bath Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G2 4JR
Company number: SC705309
Registered in Scotland

HOTLINE 0 7402 050 909, safe-animal.co.uk