Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for microchip implantation
- Identify key statutory, local authority and insurance requirements associated with microchipping cats and dogs
- Explain details of the procedure to the owner
- Relate anatomical and physiological structures and functions to implantation procedures as well as likely migration sites for chips on animal body
- Ensure that microchip implantation workspace is appropriate for the needs of the species
- Follow relevant legislation and Australian Standards for implantation and scanning devices
- Prepare equipment
- Inspect and check implantation equipment
- Inspect and access first aid equipment for animals and humans
- Select and check electronic reader against a reference chip
- Check microchip to be implanted to confirm it meets relevant Standards and legislative requirements, and scan serial number against packaging number
- Prepare animal for implantation
- Obtain and record prescribed identifying information
- Assess animal for behavioural problems and refer animal to veterinarian where unmanageable fear or aggressive tendencies are identified
- Obtain owner permission to restrain the animal, if owner present, and select and fit animal restraint device according to animal welfare and regulatory requirements
- Use personal protective equipment according to workplace procedures
- Assess health of animal and identify signs of ill health
- Scan animal to check if previous implantation has occurred, and complete legislative and industry actions for previously implanted microchip if required
- Undertake implantation procedure
- Check implantation site for abnormalities and refer owner to veterinarian in the event of observed concerns
- Position animal for implantation, taking into account animal welfare, animal size, species, behavioural assessment, and work health and safety risks
- Inspect injection site and prepare for procedure using aseptic techniques according to industry standards
- Prepare the implanting device while maintaining asepsis
- Prepare skin, grasp and lift away skin, and insert needle subcutaneously at recommended angle
- Discharge microchip fully into subcutaneous tissue, withdraw needle from skin, checking microchip has discharged, under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon
- Dispose of needles in an approved sharps container
- Complete post-implantation workplace hygiene clean-up procedures
- Assess injuries sustained to humans and provide first aid treatment and seek medical attention if required
- Assess injuries sustained to animals and provide first aid treatment and seek veterinary attention if required
- Conduct post-implantation procedures
- Visually check implantation site and scan to ensure correct functioning of microchip
- Provide post-implantation advice to owner
- Note animal condition and seek veterinary assistance if there are signs of adverse reactions
- Explain to owner the processes undertaken by animal registry service, and distinguish from registering with local government/council
- Impress importance of maintenance of ownership records to owner/keeper, and provide procedure to be followed in the event of loss of animal
- Maintain records in accordance with legislative requirements