Gozo SPCA have been awarded funds, under a grant from the Ministry for Gozo, to microchip owned dogs and cats in Gozo.

Microchipping of dogs over 4 months old is a legal requirement in Malta, however the majority of dogs either reported as lost or picked up from the streets by Animal Welfare Gozo are neither microchipped or wearing a name tag with contact details.

Without identification there is an inevitable delay in reuniting dogs and owners causing worry and upset to both the owners and their pets.

Gozo SPCA explained that the microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted in the back of the animal’s neck. It is coated in a silicon capsule that causes no harm when inserted in the body of the animal. The microchip holds a unique number which can be read using a special reader.

Owners’ details, linked to this unique number, are recorded on a database and can be retrieved quickly if the animal is found.

The NGO added that the procedure for inserting the microchip is “quick and painless” and the animal suffers no discomfort from the chip which remains in place for the rest of the animal’s life.

Whilst it is not yet a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped this will be introduced in due course. Gozo SPCA said that the micro-chip in your cat can also be used in conjunction with certain gadgets such as cat flaps that open only for your cat. The procedure for inserting the microchip into cats is the same as for dogs.

Pet owners are currently able to arrange an appointment with either one of the following Veterinary Clinics in Victoria:

The Galea Veterinary Clinic Triq Wied is-Seqer, Victoria, Gozo 21 554 257

The Animal Doctor Triq Karlu Galea, Victoria, Gozo 99 823 658

At each clinic you will give your details and those of your pet before the procedure. Once the microchip details have been entered onto the database you will receive a document through the post which should be kept safe throughout the animal’s life.

Gozo SPCA said that the project will run from June 2022 until April 2023 or until funds are exhausted “so it is important to make your appointment early to ensure that your pet is chipped and registered.”

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