What is a microchip?
A microchip implant is a small device which can be placed under the skin of a dog, cat, horse, parrot or other animal. The chip, about the size of a large grain of rice, uses passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. It can be read using a small handheld device.
What information is stored on the chip?
Microchips store a unique identification number. So when a pet is found and scanned we don’t actually know very much. It is only when we access our central, East Africa Microchip Database that those authorized agents can find out more about the pet and who it’s owners are! This is how it becomes possible to re-unite you with your lost pet through the use of microchip technology.
This is also very useful in identifying the just owner of a stolen/disputed pet.
How can I ensure my pet’s chances if it’s lost?
First of all, have a microchip implanted in your pet. This way if it is found it can be scanned (most vets have a reader, also the EAKC has one).
It is also important that you spread the word, if someone finds a pet they must take it to be checked for a microchip and then, if the person who has scanned the pet does not have direct access to the database, contact the EAKC office 0734 650 213, or e-mail [email protected] so that the information can be linked up with the microchip number and the owners alerted.
Of course it is also very important that you pass on your information to [email protected] when you have your pet microchipped (or import it), or if you move! The EAKC will charge a one time fee of 500/= to register your pet on the database. (fee is 300/- for EAKC members)
According to Pettravel.com Kenya now allows microchipped pets to enter the country without a quarantine period. If you are bringing in a pet contact David Uvoo on 0722 446010 or email him on [email protected], or visit his facebook page.
How do I register my pet?
Simply click on the “register now” button at the top of this page and fill in the necessary information (ie pet’s details, description, your contact details and area of residence). All this information will then be entered into the secure online database, where relevant authorities* can access it in case your pet is found!
Are there costs involved?
Yes, there is a registration fee of 500/- to put your details on to the database, this fee is included when you have your pet microchipped at the EAKC Office. After this it is important that you keep your details current – any change of contact information, emigration or death of an animal should be forwarded to [email protected] (detail changes are not charged, change of ownership is charged at 50%)
My pet is imported, and I think it was microchipped…
Please take your pet to a vet or to the EAKC office to check for a microchip and record its number (accurately!) then go to the “register now” button at the top of this page or fill in the forms at the EAKC office off Kibera Drive, near Jamhuri Park. Any microchip can be registered!
What else can I do?
You can record your pet’s microchip number or the email address ([email protected]) or both, on a pendant on it’s collar (the back of the NCC tag for instance), these are less efficient than the chip itself, as collars can be removed, lost or even stolen, but if it is still in place when your pet is found, it may help the finder bypass looking for a “reader” and getting in touch with us right away, while keeping your contact details private.
The EAKC has “scan me” pendants for sale for 300/-.
The EAKC has made the microchipping of pedigree Rottweiler, Labrador and GSD breeding dogs compulsory.
If your pet goes missing please report it to the KSPCA and the EAKC as well as your vet as soon as possible. We can put out an alert on our website and facebook page, and advice you of other places to look. Putting up your own posters is definitely recommended, but be careful with money rewards, as these may encourage the stealing of dogs for monetary gain.
You may of course offer a reward return of your dog just do not mention amounts.
| Registration | Tag | |
| Members per dog | 300/- | 300/- |
| Non-members | 500/- | 300/- |
* relevant authorities; the EAKC, vets and animal rescue centers can access the data once they have been authorized to do so by the EAKC. Only the EAKC can enter/alter the data.