Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to aseptically perform microchip implantation procedures on cats and dogs, with minimum discomfort to the animal, for identification and traceability purposes.
The unit applies to workers in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to implant microchips into cats or dogs. Candidates may include veterinary practitioners, veterinary nurses, nominated employees and shelter managers of animal welfare agencies, local government animal management officers and pound managers, animal technicians in the role of managers or supervisors in animal research laboratories, and animal control officers.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for microchip implantation | 1.1 Identify key statutory, local authority and insurance requirements associated with microchipping cats and dogs 1.2 Explain details of the procedure to the owner 1.3 Relate anatomical and physiological structures and functions to implantation procedures as well as likely migration sites for chips on animal body 1.4 Ensure that microchip implantation workspace is appropriate for the needs of the species 1.5 Follow relevant legislation and Australian Standards for implantation and scanning devices |
2. Prepare equipment | 2.1 Inspect and check implantation equipment 2.2 Inspect and access first aid equipment for animals and humans 2.3 Select and check electronic reader against a reference chip 2.4 Check microchip to be implanted to confirm it meets relevant Standards and legislative requirements, and scan serial number against packaging number |
3. Prepare animal for implantation | 3.1 Obtain and record prescribed identifying information 3.2 Assess animal for behavioural problems and refer animal to veterinarian where unmanageable fear or aggressive tendencies are identified 3.3 Obtain owner permission to restrain the animal, if owner present, and select and fit animal restraint device according to animal welfare and regulatory requirements 3.4 Use personal protective equipment according to workplace procedures 3.5 Assess health of animal and identify signs of ill health 3.6 Scan animal to check if previous implantation has occurred, and complete legislative and industry actions for previously implanted microchip if required |
4. Undertake implantation procedure | 4.1 Check implantation site for abnormalities and refer owner to veterinarian in the event of observed concerns 4.2 Position animal for implantation, taking into account animal welfare, animal size, species, behavioural assessment, and work health and safety risks 4.3 Inspect injection site and prepare for procedure using aseptic techniques according to industry standards 4.4 Prepare the implanting device while maintaining asepsis 4.5 Prepare skin, grasp and lift away skin, and insert needle subcutaneously at recommended angle 4.6 Discharge microchip fully into subcutaneous tissue, withdraw needle from skin, checking microchip has discharged, under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon 4.7 Dispose of needles in an approved sharps container 4.8 Complete post-implantation workplace hygiene clean-up procedures 4.9 Assess injuries sustained to humans and provide first aid treatment and seek medical attention if required 4.10 Assess injuries sustained to animals and provide first aid treatment and seek veterinary attention if required |
5. Conduct post-implantation procedures | 5.1 Visually check implantation site and scan to ensure correct functioning of microchip 5.2 Provide post-implantation advice to owner 5.3 Note animal condition and seek veterinary assistance if there are signs of adverse reactions 5.4 Explain to owner the processes undertaken by animal registry service, and distinguish from registering with local government/council 5.5 Impress importance of maintenance of ownership records to owner/keeper, and provide procedure to be followed in the event of loss of animal |
6. Maintain records in accordance with legislative requirements | 6.1 Record procedure using prescribed identifying information, including identification of implanter 6.2 Forward documentation to relevant animal registry services 6.3 Maintain and file copy of records for specific implanter |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Access and interpret statutory, local authority and insurance requirements, policies and procedures, and Australian Standards |
Oral communication | Use effective questioning skills to ascertain from animal owner the animal's existing or previous health conditions that may be affected by microchip implantation |
Get the work done | Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection |
Sectors
Microchipping (MIC)