Microchipping – permanent identification of your guinea pig

If your guinea pig is lost or stolen, being able to identify them can be key in having them returned.

Microchipping is possible with guinea pigs. It is not a wise idea to place a collar of any type on your guinea pig, and in fact likely to be very dangerous and distressing for the guinea pig, so should be avoided at all times. A collar is easily removed, so is not a permanent form of identification either.

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. Each microchip has a unique number (no two are the same). When the microchip is scanned with a scanner, the number will be displayed. This can help identify your guinea pig via a database which holds your contact details and the details of the guinea pig.

Most animals can be microchipped conscious (without sedation or a general anesthetic), but guinea pigs have a large pad of fat running from their neck and along their back, which is particularly sensitive. This is where the microchip is implanted (into the scruff of the neck). This may be painful and stressful for the guinea pig, so your veterinarian is likely to suggest giving the guinea pig a quick sedation or general anesthetic, so they do not feel the needle being inserted.

Normal microchip needles are around 3mm in width. Slim microchips are also available, and the needle is slightly smaller for these, as the microchip is also smaller. Your veterinarian may have access to these microchips, or you may be able to request one.

If your guinea pig is lost, stolen or escapes and is taken to a veterinary practice or rescue centre, they will be scanned, using a special microchip scanner. The scanner will display the unique microchip number. The veterinary practice or rescue centre can ring the microchip database holder and quote the microchip number. From here they can access the owner’s details, as well as the animals and contact the owner. It is imperative that your contact details are kept up to date, otherwise if your guinea pig is found, and the details are incorrect, you will not be able to be contacted.

By law, the only pet animals that must be microchipped are dogs. However, if your guinea pigs live outdoors, it may be worth microchipping them, but the decision will be a personal one and each owner will have to decide what they prefer to do.