National Microchipping Month is a campaign that encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership through microchipping as the preferred method of permanent identification. Throughout the month of June the GSPCA will be supporting this event by offering reduced priced microchips and to start the month at our Fun Dog Show this Sunday at Fairfields we will be offering free microchipping for dogs and microchip checks for all dog owners, although donations welcomed.
As well as a free dog day for microchipping this Saturday we are offering free microchipping for rabbits between 11am and 1pm at The Friquet Garden Centre (donations welcomed).
We will be at the Friquet Garden Centre with Sarnia Guinea Pig Rescue, Guernsey Animal Aid and Small Animal & Rodent Rescue Guernsey to help promote responsible pet ownership which takes place this Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm.
For the rest of the month the reduced price of microchipping will be at £3.99 for dogs, cats and rabbits (normal price at the GSPCA £4.99.
If you have ever lost your pet you will know just how worrying it can be and understand the importance of making sure that they are properly identified so that, when found, they can be returned to you as quickly as possible.
At the GSPCA in Guernsey we see up to 200 stray dogs a year and over 1000 cats come through the Shelter every year. Unfortunately on 40-45% of stray dogs and cats are microchipped which can mean that some pet owners are never found.
As a dog owner in Guernsey, you have a legal requirement to ensure that your pet is under control and is properly identified with suitable collar and tag. In some cases, these can become lost, so a microchip is vital as the permanent form of identification which will be in place for life.
WHAT IS A MICROCHIP?
The standard microchip is 12mm long and 2mm in diameter and is approximately the size of a grain of rice, which is then implanted just under the skin and between the shoulder blades of your pet.
It will have its own unique bar code number, and this, with your pet’s details and your details will be registered for life on a National Pet Identification database.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PET GOES MISSING?
If your pet goes missing and is then picked up as a stray by the GSPCA, it will be scanned and your pet’s unique number will be displayed.
The next step would be contacting the National Pet Identification database and the microchip number will confirm your address, then you and your pet will quickly be reunited.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I GET MY PET CHIPPED?
The GSPCA adopted the microchip system over 15 years ago and within that time has microchipped thousands of pets.
To make an appointment or for more information please contact the Animal Shelter on 01481 257261
So remember, a microchip fitted now will give protection for life!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IS YOUR PET INSURED?
The GSPCA and Rossborough have recently launched a new Pet Insurance. When faced with vet fees you often have to pay very large amounts. Pet Insurance can be a great way to help you though these difficult time. To find out more and get a quote please click here.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'We have a busy weekend coming up to start off National Microchipping Month with free rabbit microchipping on Saturday at the Friquet Garden Centre and free dog chipping on Sunday at Fairfield during our fun dog show.'
'It can be really frustrating when we have a stray animal in that isn't microchipped as on occasions we aren't able to find the owners.'
'Sadly only 40 to 45% of stray animals that are brought into the Animal Shelter are microchipped.'
'It would be fantastic if every dog, cat and rabbit were chipped as it would mean a much quicker reunion with the owner.'
'There are no laws in Guernsey requiring owners to microchip their pets although this is a requirement in a growing number of countries.'
'There are many types of pets that can be microchipped but for animals such as tortoise to horses it is best to talk to your vets.'
'For the rest of June we will be offering microchipping for only £3.99 and to find out more please call us on 257261.'
During March the GSPCA welcomed Richard Cratchley from Avid who gave microchip training and refresher training to team members.
Did you know the GSPCA microchip hedgehogs before they are released? This helps if they are brought back to the Shelter as we can easily identify them and we can also see their medical history.
To find out more about our Dog Show please click here.
To see the GSPCA page on microchipping please click here.
To see Petlogs page on National Microchipping Month please click here.
To see the Avid Microchipping website please click here.
To see the Anibase Microchipping page please click here.
We have lots of animals in need of homes. Could you help us advertise them? To download a the posters please click here. or to share them on social media please click here.
To download a poster to advertise the Hedgehog Competition please click here.
To download a poster to advertise the Hedgehog Awareness Poster Competition please click here.
Create a GSPCA Awareness Poster for Hedgehogs
Age groups –
4 – 7 years old (infants)
7 – 11 years old (juniors)
Some ideas could include:
Watch out for hedgehogs on the road waking up from hibernation
Hedgehogs out in the day time could mean there is something wrong
Please put out clean drinking water for hedgehogs over the summer
Check for hedgehogs before cutting the lawn/grass
Discard of rubbish properly - especially netting/wires
Make sure your swimming pool/pond is easily escapable
Do not put slug pellets down as they are poisonous
Don't touch a nest until sure you need to intervene
Cut holes in fence bottoms to allow hedgehogs to pass through gardens
Watch your dogs around hedgehogs- either one could get hurt
Other points to add:
Phone GSPCA for advice/emergency: 01481 257261
Advice on the GSPCA Webpage- www.gspca.org.gg
BE AS CREATIVE AS YOU LIKE!
Prizes for the top 3 in each age group.
Send your posters with your name, age, contact number and school on the back to [email protected] or to the Shelter at
Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Rue du Truchots
St Andrews
Guernsey, Channel Islands
GY6 8UD
Closing date 6/6/14. Winners will be announced on the 13/6/14
Build a Hedgehog House
2014 Competition
Design and build a hedgehog house to be used in your own or friends garden!
There are two age group categories:
7 to 11 years (Junior age)
11 to 16 years (secondary age)
The top three from each group will be contacted to be judged and there are PRIZES for the top 3 designs in each group!
The house structure must be:
- Waterproof
- Big enough to make a nest
- Safe from predators
- Camouflaged
What could you use to build the house?
- Logs
- Old plastic box
- Bricks
- Wood
- Pots
- Anything else - Be as creative as you like!
Try the internet and our website for more inspiration!
www.gspca.org.gg
Last thing to do is take a beautiful photograph then email it to us along with your age, full name and contact number to:
[email protected]
Closing date 6/6/14. Winners will be announced on the 13/6/14
Good luck and have fun!
Please be careful when building your hog houses
Work with an adult to put it together as you may need to use grown-up tools
To donate to help animals in our care please click on this link www.justgiving.com/Gspca-Trio-and-Trouble, call 01481 257261, by post or popping into the Shelter.
GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.
To find out about GSPCA training and courses at the Shelter please click here.
There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.
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