You might also be interested in the Terms and Conditions page.
About Pet Microchipping
- What is a Microchip?
- How does the Microchip work?
- How much does the injection cost?
- How long does the Microchip last?
- What is the youngest age a pet can be microchipped?
- My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with a Microchip?
- Does my pet have to be sedated for the injection?
- Does the procedure hurt my pet?
- Could my pet be allergic to the Microchip?
- How do I know the shelter will be able to check for the Microchip?
- If my pet is found, how does the shelter know to contact me?
- What happens if I'm on vacation and my pet is found?
- How do I update or change my pet's record?
- Do I have to renew my pet's enrolment?
- How do I transfer ownership of my pet?
- Where is the microchip implanted?
- Can the microchip be easily removed?
- How do I register?
- How do I log in when I've forgotten my password?
- Why is there so much text on your site?
- What is Fido's postal address?
- What is the 24/7 support?
- With whom does Fido share my details?
- What is VeriPet?
- Who is Fido? (In case I want to talk to you...)
1. What is a Microchip?
The microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent identification that cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed - a safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.
2. How does a Microchip work?
The computer memory in the Microchip contains a unique 15-digit number - no two animals will ever have the same number. (Apart from this number, the chip contains no other information, and it is certainly not a GPS tracker!) A radio signal transmitted from a scanner carries energy to enable the chip send back the number through the skin of your pet that the scanner then reads. In addition to the number, the microchip generates a reliability check to guarantee that your pet's identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than 40 milliseconds. After the scan, the vet consults a database such as Fido to find a matching number, and thereby obtain the owner's contact details. Most countries have at least one database, and many of these form part of international networks. For example, Fido's list of registered microchips is shared with EuroPetNet.
3. How much does this Microchip implantation cost?
The fee is set by your veterinarian. The fee is certainly less than the cost of trying to locate a lost pet. The cost of printing and hanging fliers, placing ads and rewards, calling shelters, and taking time off of work can be substantial. Not to mention the anguish and worry or worse...the heartbreak of being too late. Please ensure that when you are paying for your microchip that the veterinarian is going to register your details with Fido.
4. How long does the Microchip last?
Once injected under the skin of your pet, the Microchip becomes encased by a thin layer of protein which anchors it in place for the rest of the life of your pet. It does not pass through or out of the body. The microchip itself has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down. Therefore, it can be expected to last for decades - well beyond the lifespan of most pets.
5. What is the youngest age a pet can be identified?
Animals of any age can be injected with a Microchip. You should consult your local veterinary surgeon and ask his or her advice but many puppies and kittens are chipped during their initial vaccine series. Birds, horses and exotics can be identified at any time.
6. My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with a Microchip?
It only takes one time for the postman, gardener, meter reader, neighbour or friend to leave the gate open or the door ajar. Animals that have not been neutered in particular have a desire to roam. Pet theft is also a daily occurrence. Animals such as purebreds, birds and exotics are valuable and are often stolen for resale. Even horses are frequently stolen and sold for slaughter. Most shelters destroy the majority of pets they impound. They are destroyed only because they are not identified.
7. Does my pet have to be sedated for the injection?
No! Injecting a Microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anesthesia is not required or recommended since there is minimal discomfort with the procedure.
8. Does it hurt?
Not at all. The injection creates only a slight discomfort - most pets don't even react to it. The microchip is encapsulated in a specially formulated biocompatible material created specifically for this kind of application.
9. Could my pet be allergic to the Microchip?
The Microchip is inert and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being implanted.
10. How do I know the shelter will be able to check for the Microchip?
www.fido.ie is actively building strong relationships with animal welfare organisations, local authorities and veterinary surgeons to ensure that it is the main reference point for the recovery of lost pets. www.fido.ie continues to develop key relationships with individuals and organizations in the animal welfare and recovery fields. The stored information relating to your registered microchip number is maintained on a database in the greater Dublin area and this information, which will include your address and contact phone numbers, will be provided to pre-approved organisations in the event of them locating your microchip.
11. If my pet is found, how does the shelter know to contact me?
The stored information relating to your registered microchip number is maintained on a database and this information, which will include an address and contact phone numbers supplied by you, will be provided to pre-approved organisations in the event of them locating the microchip.
12. What happens if I'm on vacation and my pet is found?
www.fido.ie maintains "third party contact" information. Your pet would be released to your authorised representative to ensure its well-being. Your pet is protected even when you are not at home, no matter what the reason. Alternatively you can log on to www.fido.ie and register your holiday address or contact details for the duration of your holiday or designate a third party to be responsible for the animal when you are away.
13. How do I update or change my pet's record?
For dogs on the Certified Registry you can use the details on the Certificate to log in and change certain details, such as your third-party contacts or holiday details. Some information that is on the official certificate can only be changed with the help of your vet and/or Fido staff and there may be a fee involved (€7.50, unless this was an error caused by the vet or Fido) and a new Certificate will be issued. A limited subset of contact details can be edited online (fee €5.00) so long as it is clear that the owner is the same person. On the Standard Registry for non-dog pets (such as cats) you can change all of your pet's details online, for free. If your pet has been found, the information you provide is our only means of contacting you, so it is important to be accurate.
14. Do I have to renew my pet's enrollment?
No. Registration is for the life of the microchipped animal and certain changes you require to be made will be done free of charge. For dogs there is a simple change-of-ownership process that must be completed, and this is generally the only time that any significant interaction with Fido is needed post-registration.
15. How do I transfer ownership of my pet?
For the Standard Registry (cats etc.), return to the home page and log in. Once logged in, follow the instructions for change of ownership.
For dogs on the Certified Registry the instructions for the old and new owners are on the second page of the Certificate. The most direct option is to log in with the five-digit owner PIN indicated on the certificate and follow the online instructions.
16. Where is the microchip implanted?
For most animals (dogs, cats) the chip is implanted in the scruff of the neck (the loose skin between the animal's shoulder blades). In birds, the chip is implanted under a wing. Consult your veterinarian for advice regarding other pets.
17. Can the microchip be easily removed?
No, it would require a veterinarian to remove the microchip in a complicated surgical operation. The chips are designed to bind and therefore are not easy to remove.
18. How do I register?
If you are registering any pet other than a dog, you may register your pet yourself on Fido's Standard Registry. There is a one-off fee for the initial registration of this chip, and thereafter all updates (including change of ownership) are free.
DOGS: If your pet is a dog then new registrations with Fido must be done through a vet who must be a participating Fido Registrar/Implanter, which is the case for most vets in Ireland. It is not legal for a dog owner to do the registration except through a vet/implanter, and it is also not legal for vets/implanters to register their own dogs. Implanting and registration of a dog microchip should take place at the same time in the same location. If your dog already has an implanted chip, your vet will use a scanner to confirm the 15 digit chip ID and will complete the registration (online or via postal form). In all cases you must present the vet with proof of your identity and address, as intended to be recorded in the registration. These are legal requirements that apply to all dog registrations in the Republic of Ireland.
Fido will subsequently issue the legally required Dog Microchipping Certificate directly to you.
Dog breeders are considered the first owners and are responsible for getting their dogs microchipped and registered. Subsequent owners can do a "Change of Ownership" completely online when the previous owner (breeder) relinquishes the registration to them.
If the previous owner gave you a Dog Registration form (on the reverse of a paper certificate with a silver Fido logo), you may complete the form and post it with fee to the address indicated thereon.
Include your email address in block letters to ensure you can receive details relating to the dog's registration.
However, it is recommended that you do the change of ownership online, as this is more efficient, you avoid the postage overhead and you get immediate feedback regarding the registration.
Email is used only for the following purposes:
- Alerting you if your pet has been found.
- Providing information to you regarding the registration.
- Assisting you with online access to the registration, PIN/password/lock issues etc.
- Updating you regarding Change of Ownership or other significant changes to the registration.
- Providing information regarding services you have requested.
Fido does not engage in "spam" activities. Every communication from Fido will involve a purpose listed above. If you receive a message purporting to be from Fido that gives you reason for concern, please let us know.
19. How do I log in when I've forgotten my password?
VETS: There is a link on the login page that will reveal a form for you to request password assistance by email.
DOGS: Dog owners who have received an official Dog Microchipping Certificate should use the details on the certificate to log in. If you have applied a Certificate Lock and cannot remember the password that you used, contact our Help Desk for assistance, as there is no automated recovery for these Locks.
CATS and other animals: You log in at the Standard Registry where your access credentials are: chip ID, email address and password. You can make multiple attempts to log in, but if you make a mistake you may be asked to prove you are human (by entering some text that is presented to you) and you will be given the option to receive password assistance via your registered email address. Follow the instructions carefully. When you regain access to your online registration, set a new password.
If you require the assistance of Fido administration staff, you may be asked to provide proof of your identity.
20. Why is there so much text on your site?
At Fido we like to be helpful. We try to keep things simple. Yes, there's a lot of text. A lot of things are explained in boring detail, many times. We hope you will read these explanations at least once. But if you still find that we are as clear as mud, call us, email us, send us a letter, and we will do our best to help. Or ask your vet to help. (And if you like Fido, encourage others to get their pets chipped and registered here.)
21. What is Fido's postal address?
If you want to contact us by post, please use the following address:
www.fido.ie
PO Box 484,
Naas,
Co. Kildare.
Ireland
22. What is the 24/7 support?
Our site is available to pet owners 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with very rare and brief outages for maintenance. Certain registered organisations have received exclusive access to our 24/7 telephone service for emergencies, such as when a rescue organisation recovers a lost animal in distress while in an area without Internet access. Fido is not a search and rescue service, nor can we locate lost pets that have not yet been scanned by the finders, so our support services are limited to matters pertaining to chip registrations.
23. With whom does Fido share my details?
To enable the return of lost pets, Fido shares some data as follows:
Chip ID is registered with EuroPetNet, often the first place that organisations go when searching for a pet owner.
Contact details as submitted by you during registration are available to registered organisations (e.g. vets, the dog pound, local police etc.)
Pet's medical details are also available to registered organisations, to ensure they can care for your pet until reunited with you.
Optionally your email address and basic pet details to selected Fido sponsors at your request if you want to avail of special offers.
24. What is VeriPet?
Launched in 2021, VeriPet is a technology pioneered by Fido to enable ads for dogs for sale online to be verified by the dog owners so that this verification can be checked by potential buyers. It ensures that the microchip advertised with a dog is a legitimate microchip, making it more difficult for the illegal dog trade and providing much needed reassurance to the buying public. The technology continues to be enhanced and is rolling out across Europe from 2022
To use VeriPet as a seller your dog's chip must be registered with a VeriPet participant (e.g. Fido) and that registry must already know your mobile phone or email address. When you are placing your online ad you will be invited to provide verification of your dog's microchip. In the case of a Fido chip you will be asked to enter your owner's PIN (from the bottom of the certificate). You will then receive a code via SMS to your mobile phone, or by email, within a few seconds which you then enter. This completes the verification and your online ad will be accompanied by a VeriPet link (VLink) that anyone can click to see that the chip was verified.
We called it PetSAFE during the development phase, but the marketing people later decided that VeriPet would be the official name!
25. Who is Fido?
We're glad you asked. Fido is a team of veterinary and technology professionals, collectively having several decades of experience. We have paid staff, volunteers and sponsors, all working hard to give lost pets the best chance possible.
If you need to contact our registrations service, we are at: registrations@fido.ie
If you need to contact our general help service (including services to vets and technical issues), we are at: helpdesk@fido.ie
Thanks. The Fido team.
Royal Canin is a proud sponsor of Fido
Royal Canin Voucher £13/€15 Discount for registered Fido customers. Read More
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Once off discount for microchipped pets.
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