Will microchipping hurt my animal?

Microchips are tiny - about the size of a grain of rice - and can be inserted under the skin between the shoulders of a cat or dog. The process is similar to receiving immunisation injections and is generally less distressing for the animal than a vaccination.

If you have concerns about your animal, you should discuss options, such as use of a local anaesthetic with your vet. An operation is not required and your animal should not experience any ongoing discomfort. Improvements in the design of microchips mean that the chip is very unlikely to move from the place it is inserted. Microchips are inert and do not put out any signal of their own. Councils and other relevant people such as vets and animal welfare organisations are able to read the microchip by passing a scanner over the animal.

Your local veterinarian will be able to microchip your animal, or you may choose to go to another authorised identifier, local animal welfare organisation or to take part in a 'microchipping day' which might be organised by your local council. The price of microchipping will be set by the identifier, and you may be able to shop around to find a discounted price. Permanent identification by microchip is a standard procedure employed by and promoted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), the Animal Welfare League (AWL) and the Royal NSW Canine Council.

© 2008 Palerang Council
This page: http://www.palerang.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/1576.html