Yesterday the GSPCA team saw a flying visitor from Avid one of the microchip companies from the UK.
This was to train new staff for microchipping and to refresh those already with the skills to perform the implantation.
With only 40 to 45% of stray dogs and cats that arrive at the GSPCA being chipped, microchipping your pet gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you quickly if they become lost or stolen.
At the GSPCA we microchip cats and dogs for only £4.99 with no appointment necessary (although a call before hand helps prepare the team), any time Monday and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
The way it works is a tiny microchip is inserted under the animal’s skin. This gives the pet their own unique code. The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details, which are kept on a database.
Up to 200 stray dogs and more than three time this in cats arrive at the GSPCA every year and without a microchip the Shelter can struggle to find the owner.
Richard Cratchley from Avid popped over to Guernsey yesterday to the Shelter for the second time in two years to ensure the team were up to date in the skills needed to implant this very important identification method for animals.
Many parts of the world are working towards or already ensure compulsory microchipping in certain species and the GSPCA as well as other island welfare organisations would certainly find this very helpful.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'We now have an additional 6 members of the GSPCA team with the skills and knowledge to microchip, and others were refreshed in the know how.'
'It is always hard when we have a stray animal arrive, especially if it isn't microchipped or the owner hasn't updated their details with the microchip company.'
'The worst case is when we have road accident animals and we cannot get in touch with the owners quickly, and we can see around 300 RTA cats every year in Guernsey.'
'Although we can't microchip rabbits, tortoise or horses at the Shelter as it needs a vet, this too can be very frustrating when they aren't chipped as we would love to reunite every found animal quickly with their owners.'
'It is not legal to microchip a horse in Guernsey and to find an owner in the early hours of a morning can prove very difficult which, we see on a monthly basis.'
'We would love to see all pets microchipped as it would help us find their owners much quicker as a collar or tag can easily come off or be removed.'
Friday April 4th is World Stray Day and the GSPCA will have a stall in Market Square. Watch out for more details about the animals we will have with us, what we will be doing and who will be supporting us on the day.
If you lose or find an animal you can get loads of advice by going to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/lost-found-advice
To find out more about microchipping at the Shelter please call 01481 257261.
Previous stories
Microchipping still only £4.99 & thank you to the Pet Technology Store for two new scanners
Microchipping to become compulsory for dogs in England by 2016
First microchipped Hedgehogs in Guernsey - Please help monitor Hedgehogs in Guernsey
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.
Have you liked us on facebook yet or joined us on twitter?
Post new comment