Pets can be chipped to prove ownership, for export certification, or by a rescue shelter to discourage pet abandonment.It is easy to implant an identification chip.If an animal has a chip implanted, it is a good idea to keep it away from the skin.
Step 1: The equipment and materials need to be gathered.
There are some things you will need to inject a chip.Not all chips respond to the same frequencies.You need a compatible scanning device for the chip that will be implanted.In the US, mainly "AVID" and "destron" devices are used, whereas Europe uses chips that are "duplex" compatible.This should be sealed in sterile packaging.The chip comes with a single use implant needle.If the packaging is compromised, don't use the device.It is easy to implant a chip in an animal under anesthesia.Many animals flinch when the needle touches them.The procedure is safe with an assistant restraining the patient.Cotton wool is soaked in surgical spirit.The animal is going to be chipped.
Step 2: Scan the animal.
It's obvious, but an animal needs to be scanned before it is chipped.This is to make sure the pet doesn't already have a chip.There is no need to go through the procedure if a chip is found.It should raise questions about why the pet is being presented for a chip when he already has an owner.To make sure a chip that has slipped or moved from its original implant position is not missed, it is necessary to pass the scanner over the animal in a logical search pattern.
Step 3: The scanning pattern should be followed.
Over the midline of the spine, between the shoulder blades, is where the chips are placed.Not all chips remain in this spot and movements of the animal during normal activities can cause the chip to migrate and change location.Press and hold down the button.The sensor can be placed against the animal's fur or above the skin.Start with the scanner positioned behind the pet's ears and move left to right, right to left, in a sweeping motion.There is progress in this side to side sweeping motion down the neck, over the shoulders, and to the end of the rib cage.
Step 4: It's time to do a final sweep.
If no chip is found, run the scanner up and down the length of the animal.Start in front of the left elbow, slide the scanner back along the chest and tummy, and then sweep towards the shoulder.When you have surveyed the animal's entire body, repeat this pattern.Can you be certain that no chip is present?
Step 5: Prepare the chip.
The chip should be prepared once the animal is not already chipped.The implant device has a sterile hypodermic needle attached to it.There should be a sealed container for the needle.There are stickers with a bar-code and a unique registration number on the packaging.To get the chip's number, pass the scanning device over the needle, while it is still in the packaging.Take the scanned number and show it on the packaging.The two should match.The device should be left in the pack after the backing is removed.It should be placed within reach.
Step 6: The animal needs to be restrained.
The best place to hold small dogs and cats is a table.Large dogs can be restrained.To ensure operator safety, it is best to muzzle a dog.The cat should be placed on a table.The assistant should firmly grasp the cat's scruff to prevent it from turning and biting.Small dogs are on a table.Put the assistant on the other side of the room and place the hand over the dog's ear so that the head is held against the chest or shoulder.Pull the body against the chest and stop the dog from sitting down by placing the other arm under the animal's belly.The assistant stands behind the dog's head and puts a hand on the side of the head that is facing forwards.
Step 7: Take the animal's skin and rub it.
Although the needle is sterile, there is a small chance that it will pushbacteria from the surface of the skin into the tissues.The best way to prevent this is to use surgical spirits.You need to plan where to place the needle.This is between the shoulder blades.Take a cotton ball and wipe it on the skin with surgical spirits.
Step 8: Lift the scruff.
The scruff is raised to allow the chip to be implanted beneath the skin.If you are right handed, use your left hand to grasp a fold of skin two inches in front of where you plan to place the needle.Lift this fold of skin vertically away from the body if you hold the skin firmly between your thumb and forefinger.
Step 9: Put the chip in.
Pick up the installation device and place the needle at a right angle to the elevated scruff.The device should be held so that the length of the needle is parallel to the spine.Firm pressure should be used to push the needle through the skin to the hub.Press the button on the implant device to push the needle out of the skin and into position.
Step 10: Remove the needle.
The needle doesn't contract instantly when it's withdrawn from the skin.There is a chance that the chip will fall out of this tract after it is implanted.It is easy to avoid this by applying pressure to the needle.The pressure sticks the edges of the needle tract together.If you want to do this, you have to release the scruff.Feel the needle through the skin with the thumb and finger of the left hand.Press firmly across the width of the needle as the right hand pulls it.After the needle is out, keep pressing.Then let go.
Step 11: The chip should be checked.
The final step is to make sure the chip is working.Hold the scanning device over the area of the implant.The chip should register strongly if all goes well.The chip is unlikely to be at fault if you know the chip worked in the packaging.The chip may have fallen out on the floor or failed to exit the needle.You will need a fresh chip if this is the case.