Microchip Implants

Position:

“The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) supports the permanent identification of animals, and recommends electronic implants using the International Standards Organization (ISO) standard microchip technology.

As implantation technique and type of microchip can impact on microchip performance, the CVMA recommends that the implantation of microchips only be carried out by veterinarians or qualified persons knowledgeable regarding the procedure and this system of identification.”

Background:

• Many pets that are lost are never reunited with their owners, and positive identification greatly enhances the likelihood that a lost pet will be reunited with its owner;
• Other forms of identification, such as tattoos and tags, are not as reliable;
• Microchip implant and microchip embedded tags used for livestock identification in Canada ensure efficient animal tracing and response to animal health and food safety issues that might arise;
• The ISO standard for microchip technology is recognized globally.

Revised March 2009