The history of animal and pet identification

Identification of animals have been used by human being  for hundreds of years. Only the technology keeps changing. However, the goal remains the same, it's about giving the animal identity and assign it to the owner. For many years, people have worked out various marking techniques to identify pets, both external - visual as well as that which is integrally connected with the animal, such as freezing , burning or tattooing. All of these methods turn out to be imperfect and limited by the technology in which they are executed.

Tattoos discolour or fade , there is a lack of correct identification schemes and professionally run registers. This method is mostly used by farmers, but it has more disadvantages than advantages.

Identification with a microchip of dogs and other pets is becoming more and more popular and it should be noted that if made correctly it is the most perfect and least harmful of the previously known methods.

However, it is useless without a proper update schedule and a good database. The existence of a well-organized system of registration harmonized with a properly conducted identification of animals is the success and the guarantee for the maintenance of the main objectives, which is to obtain as quick as possible the identity of the tagged animal.

According to the U.S. Lost Pets Institute survey, only 16% of dogs and 2% of cats that have not been microchipped, and end up in shelters, are returning to the previous owners.

Find out some useful information regarding moving pets to Australia from UK.

Unfortunately, still in many countries as a result of euthanasia due to lack of opportunities to find the original owner, more dogs are killed than as a result of illness or accident.

Pet identification techniques30/10/2020

Today, there are many available methods of tagging animals, ranging from the most traditional, analog ones to specialized methods based on electronic solutions. They differ in both the technique used and the effectiveness, but no matter which one we choose, it will always be more effective and better for our pet than the lack of any form of protection!

ID Tags

It is the simplest and most common method of pet identification, especially among dogs and non-purebred cats. Most often it is made in the form of a metal or silicone key ring attached to the collar, with the owner's contact details engraved, sometimes the dog's name. The wide offer of tags also includes LEDs that allow you to locate the animal at night.

Tattooing

Tattooing is a method reserved for breeders of purebred animals. In the case of puppies, the tattoo is most often performed by a veterinarian with qualifications granted to him by a given Kennel Club or by an employee of the Kennel Club - before the litter's breeding inspection. It is placed, depending on the race and affiliation - in the ear or left groin.

Microchip implants

Chipboarding is a procedure characterized by the greatest durability and effectiveness. It involves the implantation of a microchip into the animal's body with a disposable set, which includes a syringe with a needle and a microchip inside it. The transponder (microchip) is permanently programmed with a 15-digit number with a predefined pattern, where each number has its own meaning:

According to the idea of ​​marking animals, the microchip number must be unique, guaranteeing absolute traceability. The numerical code assigned by ICAR has no connection with the technical quality of the transponder itself or the place of its production, and each microchip produced in accordance with ISO standards, regardless of its unique code, is a device approved for use and completely safe for the animal and guarantees lifetime identification.
If you are thinkf of taking your car or dog with you while shipping to Australia, you should make sure that your pets have been microchipped already.