Microchips

[Snuffles]

This is probably a thick question, but when you scan a microchip does it just give a number and then you have to look up the number on a database to find the owner. If so, is there a central database or is it like the horse freezemarks, there are several data bases and you need to find the right one ? (bearing in mind the NED fiasco) Never really thought about this !

 

[Umbongo]

Yes the number will show up on the chip reader. There are various databases so you have to try your luck. Normally if you contact one database and it's not registered there they will recognise the number and be able to direct you to the correct database. I think Petlog is the bigger, more well-known one....so I usually go to them first!

 

[Snuffles]

Right, no joined up plan then !

 

[PucciNPoni]

I think that when you scan the number, the numbers will have a numerical prefix which identifies which database they are registered with - sort of like credit cards. You might notice that certain cards will all start with a certain four numbers which identifies the type of card it is.