In response,
Petlog are happy to hear about Charlotte Hazeldon's support for microchipping and interested in her thoughts and opinions in how microchips help pets. She has raised a number of questions that we are happy to address.
Currently microchip databases are funded almost entirely by the charges for changing contact details. The initial cost at implantation mainly goes to the implanter and microchip manufacturer and so the £10 one off lifetime charge for changing details is to fund the operational costs of the database which in Petlog's case is managed 24/7. There are no further costs should any further changes be needed for the lifetime of the pet.
The costs associated with microchipping remain just a small percentage cost of owning a pet for life, as sponsors of National Microchipping Month, Petlog have taken on board the important issue of the need for owners to keep their contact details up to date and therefore the costs associated with this. For this year's campaign June 2011, Petlog is offering the facility for pet owners to update their details for FREE online for pets microchipped and registered with Petlog. In addition Petlog are offering the Petlog Premium lifetime service at a reduced fee of £7.50. This has been publicized at BSAVA, in the veterinary and veterinary nurse press and through welfare and local authorities.
The Petlog Premium lifetime service is designed to provide a cost-effective solution for pet owners to manage their pets contact details. In addition to free future amendments you can add and change second carers information/holiday information for when you are away from home and create lost pet posters. Once a pet owner/pet is signed up to Petlog Premium they can go online and amend all of their details quickly and easily.
On another point raised by Charlotte, in the UK, compulsory microchipping remains a possibility and there are numerous ways this would change the way microchip databases are currently run. It is suggested that breeders microchip their puppies and change the details when the puppy is given to their new owner. It is important to understand that making microchipping compulsory would mean an overhaul of the way microchip databases are funded and managed.
Finally, Charlotte's idea of a reminder service to vets is certainly one we have considered — Petlog regularly supply postcards and collateral to assist veterinary personnel in reminding their clients to update contact details and in addition we are looking for reminders to be built into their PMS systems. We are aware just how busy they are and therefore aim to assist in any way we can.