Microchipping and registration of animals

Why is microchip necessary and what is it?

What is a microchip?

Electronic identification system (microchip) – is a method of identification using a signal transmitted between the transponder and the reader. This method is used for identification of any object depending on where the transponder is placed (car, container, animal etc.). Depending on the purpose there are different types of these systems. Readers can be active (when the signal has to be received over big distances, for instance, from wild animals to the helicopter) and passive. The latter ones do not have their own battery, they use the energy generated by the reader. Small transponders like this are called microchips. When the reader is turned on, it creates an energy field which is received by the transponder using an antenna. Energized circuit generates a signal with specific characteristics i.e. identification data and sends is to the reader using the same antenna. Reader translates the signal from binary to decimal format and transfers it to the display, computer or other reader.

How does a microchip work?

Microchip is a small chip that is a size of 10 mm part of a match. It has a unique identification number that is given to it by a manufacturer. While injecting a microchip to a pet the integrated chain is implanted under skin, it stays there forever. A reader device is brought to the place of injection in order to identify an animal, after that microchip is activated and a reader screen displays a unique number. It is impossible that two animals would have the same number.

Why is microchip necessary?

• Necessary for the law (Regulation (EC) No 998/2003)
• Helps to return lost pets to owners
• Helps to locate irresponsible owners and apply laws to them
• Increases chances of an owner to return a lost pet
• Helps to control the spread of hereditary diseases
• Makes it possible to accumulate other information in the database (status of vaccinations, whether the animal is sterilized or not, population accounting).

Is it painful, does a microchip harm an animal?

• Manufacturers of microchips distribute them in sterile packaging, ready for use.
• A microchip is injected under skin using a special injection needle because a chip is so small. The procedure is not more painful than a vaccination.
• Microchip doesn’t not induce local reaction because it is placed in a capsule of biological glass. Microchip is a passive device, it does not have its own source of energy and does not broadcast any signals therefore it does not harm an animal.