Microchipping

SPCA cats are now microchipped! - April 2005

Cats that are adopted from the SPCA are now microchipped. Microchips are tiny implants (the size of a rice grain) that are inserted under an animal’s skin. This painless procedure is performed by a veterinarian. Microchips contain a unique code that allows each animal to be identified with a special scanner. This code is registered on a database together with the owner’s contact details.

Microchips work as a security feature for your pet. The SPCA and AVA scan incoming animals for microchips. This means a microchipped pet that goes missing and is found by SPCA or AVA stands a higher chance of being reunited with its owner.

We are currently absorbing the cost of microchipping cats adopted from SPCA. Our adoption fees remain at $50 for male cats and $65 for female cats.

Advantages of microchipping.

The SPCA and AVA receive hundreds of dogs lost dogs, cats and other animals every month. Due to the fact we only have limited space in which to keep these animals, it is only possible to keep them for limited period of time. We try our best to track down owners by advertising those animals that look most likely owned but rarely have much success. Every lost dog we end up boarding means there is another dog that may not be kept due to lack of space. We are always delighted when we detect a micro chip, as we can instantly track down the owner through pet call (as long as that chip was registered by the owner) and reunite them both the same day. This means the owner goes through less stress and we have room for one more.

Does microchipping hurt the animal?
No, a veterinarian carries out the process in much the same way as a vaccination is given. The microchip, which is of similar size and shape as a grain of rice, is injected under the skin of the animals, usually in the neck area. Once in place neither you nor your pet will be able to feel or notice it

How big is the microchip?
It is very small, similar in size and shape as a grain of rice.

How much does it cost?
SPCA animals are microchipped at cost price, which is presently $25, and includes lifetime registration with PET-CALL8. The SPCA is only in a position to microchip animals adopted from the SPCA. Most veterinarians in Singapore will provide this service, although you will need to contact them reference their individual fees.

What is PET-CALL8?
This is the microchip database where both animal and owner details are held.

How does PET-CALL8 help find my pet?
Once your microchip is registered, if your animal is lost just call or fax PET-CALL8 and they will search for your pet by contacting vets and pet shops across Singapore as well as Animal shelters, AVA & SPCA.

How is the microchip detected?
Most veterinarians and animal shelters such as AVA and SPCA carry a special scanner, which will detect if a microchip is present when passed over the animal. If there is a microchip present a number unique to that chip will be displayed on the scanners screen. This number can then be checked against the database and the registered owners details found.

Does the SPCA routinely scan all animals brought to them for microchips?
Yes, every animal brought into the SPCA is scanned for a microchip on the day it arrives.

Why is a collar and tag not sufficient?
From our experience collars are often lost or removed while the animal is straying, especially n the case of cats. Also some animals are very reluctant to wear collars and they can even be dangerous on animals such as cats, getting caught in trees etc. and in extreme cases causing the animal to hang. (It is recommended that microchipped dogs still wear a collar with their licence tag attached, as this is an added visual indication that the animal is owned and not a stray).

http://www.spca.org.sg/help_us/microchipping.asp