Why ELF?
We are Irelands longest established Animal RFID Microchip supplier and have been in business for 17 years. As market leader in Ireland we supply many of the Animal Societies and were the first supplier authorised under the Control of Horses Legislation. Our customer list spans many Veteranarian Practices, Equine organisations, Dog Breed Societies, County Councils and SPA's. Our experience in this industry is unequalled and we consistently offer impartial honest advice to our customers. Since its inception we have supported the ISO standards completely. We stand over our products and consistently offer a more economical purchase.
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What if my animal / pet is lost?
There are a number of reunification services offered in Ireland. These organisations record your animals microchip number on a database. If your animal is picked up by a pound or animal welfare society the Microchip number can be used to trace you and you can collect your pet.
ELF recommends PetTrace, operated by the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, however the choice is yours. Unlike all other Microchip suppliers, ELF does not force you to purchase registration at the same time you buy your Microchips.
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What about the National Database?
There are a number of organisations offering registration services. This is not to be confused with the National Register. Ireland does not yet have a National Register as defined in the relevant ISO standards. Untill then anyone offering Microchips using the Irish Country Code is contravening the standards. The National Database is not a reunification service, it is a data depository where all microchips for sale in the country must first be proven to be unique, prior to being offered for sale. ELF ensures uniqueness by only supplying Microchips with a manufacturers code.
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Could my animal be allergic to the chip?
The microchips we supply are inert, smooth and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the animals body developing an allergic reaction or trying to reject the microchip after being properly injected.
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Can the microchip migrate inside the animals body after implantation?
When properly implanted, a layer of connective tissue forms around the microchip which prevents movement of the chip. With all quality brands the chip will not migrate once instructions are followed correctly. Procedures and injection sites will vary depending upon the animal. We can advise you, or alternatively talk to you Veterinary Surgeon.
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Where is the injection site for cats and dogs?
Both cats and dogs are injected between the shoulder blades with a deep subcutaneous (under the skin) implant of the chip.
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How early can puppies and kittens be permanently identified with a microchip?
Most Irish breeders inject the chip between the ages of five and eight weeks. The procedure can also be done at any time after that.
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In the show ring, can the microchip be felt by the judge’s hands?
No. When the chip is properly implanted deeply under the skin, no one will be able to locate the chip by touch, even in the smallest breeds.
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I have toy breeds. Can I still permanently identify them with a chip?
Yes. We have many toy breed customers in Ireland who chip their puppies/kittens as early as six weeks. The same sized microchip and needle are used in animals even smaller than yours, including mice, birds, and even salmon and eel.
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Where is the microchip placed in a horse?
The injection site for horses is the left side of the neck, half the distance between the poll and withers, and approximately one inch below the midline of the mane, into the nuchal ligament.
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At what age can a horse be chipped?
Any age.
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Does the procedure hurt the horse? How will he behave?
No. As with any animal, the horse will maintain his normal getting-an-injection pattern when he receives the chip. If you are familiar with the horse’s response to injections, you can expect him to act accordingly.
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Where is the implant site for birds?
Microchips for birds are injected in the muscle. The standard injection site is into the breast muscle. Restraint is necessary, of course. If you are a breeder and have an assistant experienced in proper avian restraint, you can do this injection yourself. Or, if you prefer, your avian veterinarian can do the procedure for you.
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At what age can birds be identified with a microchip?
Birds can be injected at any age, but you may want to use your judgement or consult your avian veterinarian depending upon what type/size birds you have.
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Goats? Sheep? Pigs? Rabbits? Deer? Ferrets? Cattle?
Yes, all of these species can and are being chipped. The implant sites vary depending upon the animal, but most have standard injection sites that we can provide to you.
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Can reptiles and amphibians be identified with a microchip?
Yes. Microchips are the perfect method of identification for snakes, lizards and even alligators, turtles and toads. Microhips are used for pets, breeding facilities, and for research studies on endangered reptiles.
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How does the chip work?
The microchip is a sophisticated computer chip which is pre-programmed with a unique identification number. Chips come in a variety of numbering sequences, however the ISO has developed a standard. The chip is encapsulated within a biocompatible glass material, which means that there is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip, after being properly implanted. When the chip is 'energised' by a reader, it transmits its unique code to the reader where it is displayed on a screen. Some readers can store the chip number, building up a bank of scanned chip numbers, or a direct link to PC allows immediate storage.
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How long does a microchip last?
The microchip has no power supply, battery, or moving parts. It is designed with an operating life of over 25 years and is guaranteed for the life of the animal. Once injected, the microchip is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it. The chip requires no care. It does not pass through or out of the body. It is energised by the reader in order to transmit its unique number.
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How do readers work?
The reader sends a safe radio wave signal to the microchip. When the chip receives this signal, it sends its unique code (the microchip number) back to the reader which displayes it in a viewing screen. Readers emit audible beeps when a chip is found. Smaller readers are held close to the implant site while scanning because they have a reading range of about 3 inches. Larger, more powerful readers are also available. Read ranges vary from 6 to 20 inches depending upon specifications. Elf will happily advise customers on the best reader for their needs.
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Who is qualified to inject the microchip?
Microchips are implanted into the animal by way of standard injection. Those familiar with vaccines and regular injections will have no problem injecting the chip. Complete step-by-step instructions are available. We recommend that unless you are a trained implanter or otherwise experienced in performing like procedures, it is in the animals interest that you seek the help of your Veterinarian.
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Can the procedure hurt the animal?
Although the microchip needle is larger than a typical vaccine needle, the general rule is that your animals will react the SAME way to this injection as they do to any other. All of the canulas supplied by ELF are machine engineered and of the highest quality. The larger size of the needle is compensated by the elongated bevel, allowing the needle to penetrate more easily and with less discomfort.
Animals do not over react to it. Their physical performance is not impaired and there is no scarring. You are not injecting any substance that can burn or irritate; the chip is completely biocompatible and non-offensive.
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Does the animal have to be sedated for the injection?
No. Injecting the microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anesthesia is not required or recommended.
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