I had no incidence of my 4 babies scratching or chewing by companions (except
at first while it healed).  Yes, it was evident something was there by feeling
it.  In the event some unsuspecting vet/tech/shelter removed the chip, I would
see no problem with it being re-implanted by the owner's vet.  Should they be
aware of chip implants, they would know what it was as it is only implanted
between the shoulder blades.
 
I do agree, however, that awareness is key it the effectiveness of locating
the owner with this form of ID.  HOWEVER, if your animal has any conditions
requiring medication, special needs, all this info can be stored in the
computer file at the sponsoring company.  This form of identification is
PERMANANT - that's wonderful, but it should never be considered a replacement
for harnesses, collars, tags, and tattoos.
 
I located the other company's name and number here - it should be good in
Canada and USA.  Unfortunately, one of the two companies here will not contact
the other in the event the chip scanned is not one of theirs, yet the other
company WILL contact it's competitor for information on a found animal.
Obviously one company is suceeding in its business.
 
I understand from my conversation with the Identi-Chip company they mentioned
they were the oldest company doing this.  My first ferrets were done by the
INFOPET system, but they no longer exist and their records were transferred to
the other company -> PetNet 1-800-463-6738, Here's the # for Identi-Chip too
in case you missed my other post 1-800-926-1313
 
Pam, I agree with you that standardization is key.  If there are 5 service
providers in your area, it would be vital that you select the one that will
converse with the other providers for information should your critter be found
by someone with a scanner, if the chip doesn't happen to belong to the 1st
company that was contacted.  Also, the scanners must be able to read
everyone's chips - the intended purpose would be defeated if a non-profit
shelter had to purchase more than one scanner at (last time I checked) a cost
between $2,500 and $5,000!
 
Also, awareness to scan *ALL* stray animals by vets, shelters, pounds and
humane societies is *ESSENTIAL*.  In rural areas, I would doubt that anyone
would have a scanner, but it is not impossible as it is also used as
identification for horses, bovines and many other 'farm'-type animals.
 
The tattoing issue is a tough one.  Here in Calgary, ferrets are inspected for
flank tattoos, but unless it is suspected that there is one, or that one with
a reported tattoo is called in as missing, they won't shave every animal
coming in - it's just too time consuming.
 
Points at a ferret show - I would think the judges would have to understand -
it's not a physical defect, but I would recommend that the we make the circuit
judges aware in writing if we did decide to place an animal in the ring, and
then judging standards might be investigated and ammended.
 
I see this as an invaluable tool for breeders and pet owners alike, but
nothing beats a collar and tag for the average person's identification
purposes.
[Posted in FML issue 1170]