What are microchips?
Microchips are small devices implanted under your pet’s skin, which contain a unique identification number that can be linked to your contact information. Any animal can be microchipped.

How do I get my pet microchipped?
Consult with a local vet or animal welfare. They can provide information about the procedure, costs and assist you in getting your pet microchipped.

What is an Identipet microchip?
An Identipet microchip is a high-quality electronic RFID component, sealed into a biocompatible glass tube. Designed in Switzerland and manufactured to the most rigorous standards, the Identipet chip is 8mm long, 2mm wide and ISO compliant.

Identipet microchips are not tracking devices. They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet. Because they use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the microchip’s ID number. Since there’s no battery and no moving parts, there’s nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pet’s lifetime.

There are NO microchips that are tracking devices, as tracking devices need a power source (battery) which in implantable microchips is not possible.

Lifetime Durability
Designed to last a lifetime our RFID devices are anti-migration, impact and pressure resistant. Providing the very best options for identification bio and industrial ID.

Patented
Benefiting from numerous global patents the design and construction of our products are the result of years of experience and technical know-how.

How are microchips implanted?
Each microchip is individually packaged in a sterile syringe. The veterinarian then injects the microchip at the inoculation site (between the shoulder blades for dogs and cats).

Is it painful?
No more than any inoculation. The animal will not feel it under their skin.

How does it work?
The microchip has an unalterable unique number coded into it. This microchip number is read by means of a scanner. The scanner emits an electromagnetic wave that instantaneously “wakes up” the microchip. The microchip responds to the scanner with its number, which can then be read off the scanner’s screen. Only the microchip number appears on the screen, and not the owner and pet details. The microchip number is totally unique and from a series of 34 billion unique numbers. It is never duplicated, altered or erased. The vet or welfare then searches for the microchip number on our database where the owner’s contact details are stored.

What happens when my pet is microchipped?
Each microchip is packaged with a QR Code. By scanning the code with your mobile device at the time of microchipping, you will be taken through a registration process where you fill in all your contact details. Your pet is now officially part of the family! You can also register your pet when you download the app by putting in their microchip number and details. Be sure to always use the same number and e-mail address to avoid duplicate profiles on our system. If your details change it’s quick and easy to update them on the app. Available on App Store or Google Play for Android and iPhones. If you have a Huwaei phone you will need to manage your pet’s profile on our Animal Management System on a computer browser.

Who holds the database?
Identipet loads the information sent back to them onto the Identipet National Animal Database – the largest animal database in Africa. Vets, SPCAs and Animal Welfare Societies can access this database information from the Identipet Animal Management System. Pet owners can also login-in to manage their pet’s profile.

How well does the Identipet system work?
Brilliantly! Identipet annually reunites several thousand lost or stolen animals with their owners. Data provided by the SPCA shows that the average time that it takes to reunite a lost pet (that has been microchipped) with its owner is two hours, compared with several days or sadly never, for an unidentified animal.

Who can scan my lost pet?
Hundreds of users of the Identipet system, with over 2000 scanners countrywide. Most vets in the large centres (and many in the smaller centres) are equipped to scan all lost, abandoned or stolen animals. All branches of the SPCA, as well as Animal Welfare Organisations are supplied with Identipet-scanners to assist them in the identification of pets brought in.

Which animals can be microchipped?
Any animal. From fingerling fish to birds to rhino and elephants.

What does the microchip cost?
Please ask your local vet or welfare how much it will be to chip your pet so that your pet is then identifiable for life. The microchip never “wears” out. Your pet will always have an identity.

Is there an Annual Identipet Service Fee?
There is no annual fee for any pets with an Identipet microchip, irrespective of the year that the animal had the microchip inserted. The only payment will be to the vet or welfare who conducts the insertion of the microchip.
We do however have a subscription service that unlocks certain app features, with added benefits, such as discounts and a cremation plan. Find out more here.

My pet was microchipped abroad. Can you register him/her on the Identipet National Animal Database?
The Identipet National Animal Database can store ALL manufacturer’s microchips (local and international). You can register your pet using this link, or via our app. It is best to keep your pet’s details on a database from the country where you reside. For example, if you move to the UK, add your pets to a UK microchip database.

If my pet dies must I notify Identipet?
Yes, please update your profile through the app or here.