Presented here is a concise manual along with various techniques to authenticate the validity of microchips. Ireland has four officially approved and licensed microchip databases.
It is mandatory for your canine companion to undergo microchipping and registration under the following circumstances:
If they are intended for sale, including offline transactions.
If they are older than 12 weeks.
All microchips consist of 15 digits devoid of any alphabets or symbols. Typically, the initial 15 digits are essential for verification, notwithstanding the presence of three additional numbers on certain forms.
Verify through EuroPetNet.com
EuroPetNet.com serves as a pan-European aggregator of microchip data, aiding in swift identification of lost pets across Europe. The four endorsed Irish databases regularly exchange information with EuroPetNet.com on a daily basis at the very least.
Several reasons might account for a microchip not appearing as registered
Incorrect 15-digit number.
Recent submission of paperwork awaiting processing, which could be delayed if forms are mailed by the vet.
Registration with a non-EuroPetNet.com database.
By legal mandate, advertising a dog prior to its registration in the database is prohibited. Mere microchipping is insufficient; registration in a database is imperative.
Direct verification with the microchip database
Each database offers distinct methods to directly verify a microchip. Often, it will reflect on their proprietary tools before synchronizing with EuroPetNet.com. If the microchip is absent from these lists, it indicates incomplete registration, and the sale of your dog would contravene the law.
Here are pertinent links to these verification tools
The databases synchronize with EuroPetNet.com at varying frequencies.
Acquiring the certificate
Upon purchasing a dog, you should receive several documents, with the microchip certificate being of paramount importance. This certificate contains instructions for transferring ownership. By law, the seller must verify your identity with a photo ID and confirm your address with a recent utility bill.
What constitutes a microchip certificate?
The microchip certificates from Fido & Animark serve as examples. They contain vital information, including:
Microchip particulars
Dog details (breed, date of birth, gender, color, etc.)
Owner particulars (name, address, phone number, email, etc.)
Microchip implanter details
Vet confirmation
In addition to these guidelines, it is advisable to have your vet cross-check the chip number on the certificate with the implanted chip during the dog's initial visit. We strongly advocate for a vet check within the first few days of acquiring a new dog. If you don't have a vet, locating one nearby is conveniently possible through Dogsy.ie Vets.