Development of a microchip-based web service for the control of pet information in veterinary clinics

Abstract

Owning a pet entails the responsibility of identifying and registering it, which helps prevent abandonment, avoid theft, and combat the illegal trade of animals. However, pet owners and veterinarians often neglect this process due to lack of awareness, fear, or the associated costs. To address this issue, a web-based service utilizing microchip technology was developed to manage pet information in veterinary clinics. The software was developed using the Web Services Distributed Management methodology, employing tools such as PHP, MySQL, CodeIgniter, HTML, and CSS, among others. As a case study, 30 pets treated at a private veterinary clinic were included, with their owners providing informed consent. The microchip used was of FDX-B BioGlass 8625 technology, and an ISO-certified radio frequency identification reader was employed. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of designing and implementing a comprehensive web service that manages pet information through microchips, including data on name, age, owner, vaccinations, and more. The system is also responsive, functional, and secure. It stands out for its economic accessibility, with an average cost of $ 16, making it affordable for both veterinary clinics and pet owners. The study concludes that the web service facilitates the registration and identification of pets; however, it is crucial to raise awareness among owners about the importance of using microchips and ensuring proper control of their pets’ information.