Microchip guide
What is a microchip and is it like GPS?
A microchip is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of an animal. The material of the chip is safe and non-toxic to animals. It is about the size of a large grain of rice and only uses passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) waves as a medium to transmit information. It has no battery and no internal power source. Rather it sits completely embedded under the skin, waiting to be 'read' by a scanner.
Therefore, it does not have real-time tracking capability like GPS and you cannot track your cat from a map or an app.
So, what does a microchip really do?
This microchip gives your pet their own unique Serial Number or code. It can be scanned and matched to the owner's contact details, which are kept on a national database. In Singapore, the most recognised central microchip database is from NParks/AVS.
The illustrated photo shows an example of a microchip scanner being swept over a cat's body to read a microchip, for example on a lost cat that someone has found. If a chip is detected, a series of numbers will appear on the scanner. The finder can now reach out to NParks/AVS with the serial number and they will look up the owner.
The scanner will not display numbers if the cat has not been microchipped.
How is it implanted, and how much?
Using an equipment called the injector, the microchip will be implanted under the loose flap of skin between your cat's shoulder blades. As it can be quite painful for some cats, it is much more ideal to apply this procedure during sterilisation when the cat is still unconscious under general anesthesia. Depending on the vet clinic, a microchip may cost around $45-60+.
Why should I chip my cat when I already have an identifying collar or an AirTag?
As time passes, collar tags can come loose and go missing.
AirTags can easily be detached too. They run on batteries, and batteries can't last forever.
A microchip does not rely on batteries and still the safest, most permanent way to identify the cat as yours because is impossible to remove without surgery, hence offering you the best chance of getting your lost cat returned if somebody brings it for a scan.
For your own safety and assurance, do request for a Microchip Certificate to keep at the end of the procedure.
Most Important: Registering your cat's microchip
Linking Owner's Details to the Microchip
Ask your vet if they will register your cat's microchip to the official NParks/AVS database.
If they don't, this is how you do it yourself:
Login to https://ifast.sfa.gov.sg/eserviceweb/ and follow the illustrated steps above.
HDB addresses can be used.
Type all details accurately and double-check before submitting, as you will not be able to edit it later.
Keep in mind that an unregistered microchip is as good as NO microchip — if your cat goes missing, it cannot be traced back to you. Please register immediately after the microchip procedure.
Using 'Microchip Enquiry' to look up microchip numbers
Similarly, you may login to the same portal at https://ifast.sfa.gov.sg/eserviceweb/ and select Microchip Enquiry to look up your cat's microchip.
If it’s not registered by the vet, proceed to do using the previous steps.
This function also works for any lost cats you have found.
