About Pet Microchipping
- What is a Microchip?
- How does the Microchip work?
- How much does the injection cost?
- How long does the Microchip last?
- What is the youngest age a pet can be microchipped?
- My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with a Microchip?
- Does my pet have to be sedated for the injection?
- Does the procedure hurt my pet?
- Could my pet be allergic to the Microchip?
- How do I know the shelter will be able to check for the Microchip?
- If my pet is found, how does the shelter know to contact me?
- What happens if I'm on vacation and my pet is found?
- How do I update or change my pet's record?
- Do I have to renew my pet's enrollment?
- How do I transfer ownership of my pet?
- Where is the microchip implanted?
- Can the microchip be easily removed?
- How do I register?
- How do I log in when I've forgotten my password?
- Why is there so much text on your site?
- What is Fido's postal address?
- With whom does Fido share my details?
1. What is a Microchip?
The microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent identification which cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed - a safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.
2. How does a Microchip work?
The computer memory in the Microchip contains a unique 15-digit number - no two animals will ever have the same number. (Apart from this number, the chip contains no other information.) A radio signal transmitted from a scanner is used to read this number through the skin of your pet. In addition to the number, the microchip generates a reliability check to guarantee that your pet's identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than 40 milliseconds. After the scan, the vet consults a database to find a matching number, and thereby obtain the owner's contact details. Most countries have at least one database, and many of these form part of international networks. For example, Fido's list of registered microchips is shared with EuroPetNet.
3. How much does this Microchip implantation cost?
The fee is set by your veterinarian. The fee is certainly less than the cost of trying to locate a lost pet. The cost of printing and hanging fliers, placing ads and rewards, calling shelters, and taking time off of work can be substantial. Not to mention the anguish and worry or worse...the heartbreak of being too late. Please ensure that when you are paying for your microchip that the veterinarian is going to register your details with www.fido.ie as some vets do not use this database.
4. How long does the Microchip last?
Once injected under the skin of your pet, the Microchip becomes encased by a thin layer of protein which anchors it in place for the rest of the life of your pet. It does not pass through or out of the body. The microchip itself has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down. Therefore, it can be expected to last for decades - well beyond the lifespan of most pets.
5. What is the youngest age a pet can be identified?
Animals of any age can be injected with a Microchip. You should consult your local veterinary surgeon and ask his or her advice but many puppies and kittens are chipped during their initial vaccine series. Birds, horses and exotics can be identified at any time.
6. My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with a Microchip?
It only takes one time for the postman, gardener, meter reader, neighbour or friend to leave the gate open or the door ajar. Animals that have not been neutered in particular have a desire to roam. Pet theft is also a daily occurrence. Animals such as purebreds, birds and exotics are valuable and are often stolen for resale. Even horses are frequently stolen and sold for slaughter. Most shelters destroy the majority of pets they impound. They are destroyed only because they are not identified.
7. Does my pet have to be sedated for the injection?
No! Injecting a Microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anesthesia is not required or recommended since there is minimal discomfort with the procedure.
8. Does it hurt?
Not at all. The injection creates only a slight discomfort - most pets don't even react to it. The microchip is encapsulated in a specially formulated biocompatible material created specifically for this kind of application.
9. Could my pet be allergic to the Microchip?
The Microchip is inert and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being implanted.
10. How do I know the shelter will be able to check for the Microchip?
www.fido.ie is actively building strong relationships with animal welfare organisations, local authorities and veterinary surgeons to ensure that it is the main reference point for the recovery of lost pets. www.fido.ie continues to develop key relationships with individuals and organizations in the animal welfare and recovery fields. The stored information relating to your registered microchip number is maintained on a database in the greater Dublin area and this information, which will include your address and contact phone numbers, will be provided to pre-approved organisations in the event of them locating your microchip.
11. If my pet is found, how does the shelter know to contact me?
The stored information relating to your registered microchip number is maintained on a database and this information, which will include an address and contact phone numbers supplied by you, will be provided to pre-approved organisations in the event of them locating your microchip.
12. What happens if I'm on vacation and my pet is found?
www.fido.ie maintains "third party contact" information. Your pet would be released to your authorized representative to ensure its well-being. Your pet is protected even when you are not at home, no matter what the reason. Alternatively you can log on to www.fido.ie and register your holiday address or contact details for the duration of your holiday or designate a third party to be responsible for the animal when you are away.
13. How do I update or change my pet's record?
You can change all of your pets details at fido.ie when you log in. If your pet has been found, the information you provide is our only means of contacting you.
14. Do I have to renew my pet's enrollment?
You don't need to. Registration is for the life of the microchipped animal and any changes you require to be made will be done free of charge. Just remember, to be entitled to register with www.fido.ie in the first place you must check with your veterinary surgeon that they are using microchips which have pre-approved registration with www.fido.ie included. Otherwise, to register you will have to pay a small registration fee.
15. How do I transfer ownership of my pet?
Return to the home page and log in as an owner. Then follow the instructions in the Transfer section.
16. Where is the microchip implanted?
For most animals (dogs, cats) the chip is implanted in the scruff of the neck (the loose skin between the animal's shoulder blades). In birds, the chip is implanted under a wing. Consult your veterinarian for exotic or other pets.
17. Can the microchip be easily removed?
No, it would require a veterinarian to surgically remove the microchip.
18. How do I register?
To register, simply return to the homepage, register yourself as an owner then register your animal's details. Alternatively, post the completed registration form to the appropriate address. You will receive confirmation that we have recorded your details.
19. How do I log in when I've forgotten my password?
There is a link on the Login page that will reveal a small form for you to request your password by email. This only works if you used a valid email address when registering, and you still have access to that account. If you set a "hint", Fido will send you the hint instead of your password. There will be further instructions accompanying the hint. If you still can't remember your password, or no longer have access to your email account, contact the Fido administration staff and we can change your password on your behalf. Please note that if Fido staff get involved, we may look for some proof of identity.
20. Why is there so much text on your site?
At Fido we like to be helpful. We try to keep things simple. Yes, there's a lot of text. A lot of things are explained in boring detail, many times. We hope you will read these explanations at least once. But if you still find that we are as clear as mud, call us, email us, send us a letter, and we will do our best to help. Or ask your vet to help. (And if you like Fido, encourage others to get their pets chipped and registered here.)
21. What is Fido's postal address?
If you want to contact Fido by post, please use the following address:
www.fido.ie
PO Box 484,
Naas,
Co. Kildare.
Ireland
22. With whom does Fido share my details?
To enable the return of lost pets, Fido shares some data as follows:
Chip ID is registered with Europetnet, often the first place that organisations go when searching for a pet owner.
Contact details as submitted by you during registration are available to registered organisations (e.g. vets, the dog pound, local police etc.)
Pet's medical details are also available to registered organisations, to ensure they can care for your pet until reunited with you.
Optionally your email address and basic pet details to selected Fido sponsors, if you want to avail of special offers.
23. Who is Fido?
We're glad you asked. Fido is a team of veterinary and technology professionals, collectively having several decades of experience. We have paid staff, volunteers and sponsors, all working hard to give lost pets the best chance possible.
Thanks. The Fido team.
