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Microchip - change of owner and change of database company questions

We've a new puppy collected from the breeder a few weeks ago, the breeder microchipped the puppy and registered with 'Petlog'.  I've been expecting to hear from 'Petlog' re' change of address details but nothing so far, so I'm guessing the breeder hasn't done the change of ownership yet, hence I investigated how I do it myself, 'Petlog' appear to let you do a change of ownership application online for £6 (they confirm with the breeder first). So to my questions : 
  1. Petlog offer a 'premium' service for £17 which seems excessive to future proof against future address changes - anyone got experience of this premium service?
  2. Petlog seem to have been criticised a lot recently for problems associated with a new IT system and poor customer service - again anyone got experience of this?
  3. Is it worth transferring from 'Petlog' to one of the other Government recommended Microchip database companies? (BTW - I'm amazed at how many non government approved microchip database companies seem to advertise on Google!)
Many thanks for any advice / shared experience.

cheers

Comments

  • sheramber
    sheramber Posts: 21,259 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    You cannot transfer to another company as the microchip number is unique  to Petlog.

    You would need to implant another chip from another company and then the pup would have two chips, which would be confusing.

    The breeder will have chipped the  pup to her, as required by law,

    Did she not complete the transfer slip in the paper work for the microchip?

    While there were problems accessing the data online Petlog  assured that the information was still to available to them. So if you called up they would be able to access the information.

    Whether you might need the extras for the premium registration is a personal thing.  if you   move in the next 12-15 years of your dog's life , if you dog gets lost or stolen, you would probably be glad on these services .

    I did use the facility to update a holiday address butt hat was when it was free and mobile phones were not common.
  • KxMx
    KxMx Posts: 10,889 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 22 August 2021 at 2:21PM
    £17 is a small one off fee, I don't find it excessive personally.
    I was happy to pay it years ago for my cat, just in case I needed it. 
  • swingaloo2
    swingaloo2 Posts: 395 Forumite
    100 Posts Name Dropper
    I paid the extra for the change of address. I have moved twice since we got our dog so well worth the extra.
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    TennisFan said:
    Petlog offer a 'premium' service for £17 which seems excessive to future proof against future address changes
    Works out at not much more than £1 per year of a dog's life - that's quite reasonable.

  • sheramber
    sheramber Posts: 21,259 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    If you don't pay it  now , I think you have to upgrade to Premium to change an address so you will pay £6 now and £17 ( or the current premium charge ) in future of you wish to update the details.
  • £17 is a small price to pay if the pet gets lost or stolen. 

    My current dog and previous dogs and cats have all been registered with them and I have never had any issues with contacting them or accessing systems and we changed address every few years.

    Im due to move again in a few weeks and will be changing the pooches address again so I would have had to pay out twice in as many months if I didn't pay the £17.



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