Microchipping
The
Public Health Department has now issued a directive that, in addition to wearing
the Municipality Tag, all dogs and cats must now have a microchip implanted before
receiving the tag. ( read the Municipality
Memo )
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a tiny injectable glass cylinder about 12-14mm - the size of a
grain of rice. It carries a unique number that can be read by a scanner. Microchips
are also called transponders.
Why
should I microchip my pet?
There is only one purpose - to
identify your pet - but there are many situations where this is useful and it
is now compulsoryin Dubai .
Microchip I.D. is also useful when:
1. Rehoming
lost pets. The chip in your pet will enable vets and rescue organizations to trace
you, the owner.
2. International travel: many countries require microchips
for pets entering the country. Chip numbers may have to correspond to laboratory
and health reports to allow international travel.
Is
the microchip procedure painful?
Microchipping is not regarded
as a painful procedure. It's probably about the same as vaccination. Sedation
is generally not required.
My pet already
has a collar with our name and address and a tattoo number on his ear. Is microchipping
still necessary?
Microchips are now compulsary in Dubai because
collars are often lost and tattoos fade or can be altered. Unscrupulous individuals
have even removed dogs' ears in order to get rid of the tattoo! Collars with id
are still useful but microchips are considered the most reliable form of identification
and cannot be altered.
How do microchips
work?
A scanner activates the chip which returns a tiny
radio signal. The chip's number is then displayed on the scanner window.
What
is a scanner?
A scanner is a device used to read a compatible microchip.
It may be a small, hand held device or a larger "walk through" type.
It activates the microchip in the pet and displays the unique number in its window
or computer display, working through hair, fur, feathers, glass, plastic, wood
and many other materials.
How long do
microchips last?
Microchips will last the lifetime of your pet.
They do not have any moving parts. They do not carry a battery or emit radio waves
(except for a moment during scanning).
At present, The U.A.E. has
no search database of microchip numbers so it makes sense to register with the
World Pet Registration.
WPR is operating one Internet database for all chip
types and is not tied to any one manufacturer. Authorised animal rescue centers,
government organisations and veterinarians can access the database free of charge
to identify found pets or pets entering a country.
The
World Pet Register
The
U.K. Government's Dog Identification Working Party is about to publish a report
recommending voluntary and then compulsory identification within 5 years.
In
Dubai, it is compulsary for all cats & dogs to wear a Municipality Tag &
all animals must first have a microchip before the tag can be issued.
