Virbac has launched the BackHome Mini Chip, a microchip which is 8mm long compared to the existing standard which is 12mm.

The new Mini Chips are made of a pharmaceutical grade glass with an anti-migration coating. Because of their smaller size, they can be implanted with a needle that is 34% smaller than the standard needle. Virbac says this can minimise stress and discomfort during implantation.

Virbac has also announced a partnership with VetEnvoy, a service which works with practice management software to enable pet and owner registration details for BackHome Mini Chips to be uploaded to the Petlog database at the press of a button, saving support staff time completing online or paper application forms and reducing the number of errors.

Sarah Walker MRCVS, Product Manager, said: "Microchipping is the most effective way for owners to protect their pets and will soon become compulsory for dogs in England and Wales. Some owners are deterred from undertaking this important and simple procedure because they are concerned that it may be painful. Because our new BackHome Mini Chips are smaller and are implanted with a smaller needle, we hope that practices will be able to reassure their clients that microchipping will not cause their pet discomfort - and that the protection it offers will last a lifetime.

“Our relationship with VetEnvoy will also spare enabled practices some of the administration time spent processing microchip details, and reduce the number of mistakes in registration and any resulting complaints.  

"Client information on BackHome Mini Chips is stored on Petlog, the UK's largest pet database, giving owners the best possible chance of being reunited with their pet, as long as they keep their registration details up to date."

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