Microchips - Is one better than all the others?

Re: Microchips - Is one better than all the others?

Alan Tevendale — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:07:13 GMT

I agree with Laurence microchips do tend to sell themselves very well and it doesn't seem to matter too much what brand you use - much of a muchness.

I have had a couple of occasions that presumed strays brought in by the public after RTAs would have been euthanased had it not been for having a microchip and being able to contact the owner at some rediculous hour of the morning.

Again I have to agree with Laurence on the whole biotherm issue - they are completely useless. On many occasions I've shown an owner that the temperature given by the chip is entirely different to that given by rectal thermometer. The client loves the idea of being able to tell the thier dog's temperature without having to violate it. It is just a shame it doesn't work for now.

Re: Microchips - Is one better than all the others?

Laurence Webb — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:56:48 GMT

[quote user="Tom Jarrett"] pushing the whole microchipping thing to owners?

[/quote]

We don't 'push', just explain their merits

There is some difference between the way microchips are inserted (all-in-one preloaded needle and plunger or a needle to attach to an implanted. I find the former easier to use) but otherwise I think they are much of a muchness.

We did use the Biotherm ones for a while, which tell the temperature if your scanner is set up to do so, but abandoned them as we found them to be unreliable. I'd be interested to know what other people's experiences are.

Pet owners are generally becoming more aware of microchips. Talking about them at 1st vaccinations puts the ideas in their minds and that is when owners are kenest to do the best for their new pet. At booster vaccinations I also ask if the animal is microchipped which can result in a fair uptake without having to 'sell' them. Many owners express surprise at how cheap they are (we charge £19.99 normally).

Dog owners seem keener to microchip than cat owners, sometimes fear of theft is a factor, although it is generally cats that seem to benefit most. We have reuinited lots of missing cats with owners and it has enabled us to contact owners quickly with RTAs when decisions about treatment/euthanasia have been required. If a dead cat is brought to the surgery then the owners can be informed straight away (not sure how you sell this to most owners though!).

We've also had some odd ones, like the builders who opened their van at the end of the day to find a cat inside, which may have jumped in at one of any number of places. It turned out to have come from Wells, 8 miles away

Re: Microchips - Is one better than all the others?

Jacquin Mitchell — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:04:21 GMT

I don't do a lot of microchipping these days but have used all sorts while working for others. When I microchip pets these days, I'm usually doing them as babies , so I want something quick and easy and as painless as possible.

I recommend these guys

http://www.pet-detect.com/

I've done a few really small kittens with them and half of them don't even seem to feel it; the other half have given a little squeak. The gun is easy to use and you aren't left wondering if you've misfired like I have been with some disposable systems ( perhaps thats just me though?)

And if you do misfire, they refund you!!!

Anyhow, I'd recommend them.

Jacq