Half price chips

TO COINCIDE with Microchip Week next week, The Vet Centre in Hallam is offering microchipping to all pets for half price.
New state legislation requires all newly registered animals over 12 weeks be microchipped by 1 May.
In anticipation of the rush from many pet owners to comply with this new law, The Vet Centre will be providing microchipping for $20 during Microchip Week between 26 and 31 March as well as a free five-minute health check of each pet.
More than 100,000 animals make up part of Casey families with many pet owners at some stage losing their four legged friends as they go off on their own adventures.
Dr Chris Thurgood, RSPCA chief veterinarian, said the chance of reunion was far more likely if the animal had been microchipped.
“Collars and registration discs may help in reducing the number of unidentified animals presented at shelters,” she said.
“The truth is, however, that very few animals arrive at shelters with such identification.
“Many of these animals have no means of identification, which may result in an unnecessarily sad ending.”
Dr John Stewart, head veterinarian at The Vet Centre, has microchipped thousands of animals ranging from horses, cats, dogs and even rabbits.
“Implantation of a microchip does not usually require anaesthetic and the procedure is completed in a matter of minutes,” Dr Stewart said.
The microchip is the size and shape of a grain of rice. It is safely enclosed in an inert capsule that ensures that it will not react in any way with the body’s tissues.
Each chip has a minuscule barcode number recorded inside it, which connects to the pet’s details, owner details and a secondary contact person’s details.
For further details or to make an appointment during Microchip Week, contact The Vet Centre on 9702 3822.