Old Micro-chips & New Scanners

A few weeks ago, I found a little terrier running wild and nervously through the Canton area of Cardiff. He look lost and afraid. I picked the dog up into my arms to comfort him whilst trying what was the best thing to do. Across the road from the shop I was in, was the local Vets Surgery.

Thinking that they may recognise the dog, I took him across. They did not know the dog, so I asked if they would scan the dog for a microchip. They did and none was found. Several hours later and with a little detective work, I traced the owner and rang her. I agreed to deliver the dog back to her right away (his name was Chip).

I handed little Chip over to his emotional owner and I was telling her the virtues of having her dog micro-chipped, only to be told that Chip was Chipped, and indeed, that’s how “Chip” got his name. They had rescued him and did not know what to call him, so when being chipped they decided on the name “Chip”.

Anyway, I checked with our own vet, Chris, at the Heath Veterinary Group and he explained that the newer scanners would pick up older micro-chips if the animal is scanned slowly as it can take a few seconds for the scanner actually pick up on them.

This could mean that some pets that are “chipped” could be deemed as not having a “chip” if not scanned slowly.

So, if you find a stray animal, take it to the local vet and ask them to scan it………slowly, and explain why.
It could save a pet & its owner a lot of anquish.