Position Statements

Microchip Animal Identification in Small (Companion) Animals

March 1, 2022

Background

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchips implanted in animals are cylindrical devices placed in the subcutaneous tissues using a hypodermic needle. These devices, also called transponders, contain four components: a capacitor, antenna, connecting wire and a covering all sealed in glass or polymer and covered by a sheath to prevent migration through tissues. Microchips are activated by a low-power radiofrequency signal emitted by scanners that cause the device to transmit a unique, preprogrammed identification number and/or other information (1).

1. The CVMA recommends that veterinarians use RFID products that have been reviewed by the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC: http://www.ncac-cnac.ca/) and appear on the NCAC list of recognized products indicating that they are compliant with ISO Standards 11784 and 11785 (2,3).
2. The microchip type, implantation technique, and microchip registration system (database) all affect microchip performance, and ultimately the ability to accurately identify a lost or stolen animal and reunite it with its rightful owner (4,5,6).
3. Since implantation technique is a critical factor affecting performance of the microchip, The CVMA recommends that the implantation of a should be carried out by a licensed veterinarian or where permitted by regulatory authorities, either a staff member under the supervision or guidance of a veterinarian, or by a trained individual following a protocol provided by a licensed veterinarian.
4. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponders/microchips currently in use can only store limited information (i.e., a unique identification number). RFID products must be complemented by a reliable and available database which links the RFID number to the owner and provides details on the animal carrying the transponder. The information in this database must be kept upto- date, accessible, and secured in case of business interruption (e.g., bankruptcy). It is incumbent upon owners to update microchip registration information as needed by contacting the manufacturer or distributor, as required.
5. The CVMA recommends veterinarians reference the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines for species-specific RFID implantation sites (5). The CVMA also endorses the movement towards an international database that allows for ease of registration, data updating and retrieval, and support to maximize successful animal recovery (7).
6. The CVMA recommends that all RFID-implanted animals be scanned annually to ensure proper function and location of the device. Such scans could be performed as matter of routine during an annual veterinary health examination.
7. The reader is referred to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association for background on animal microchip types, global standardization information, and other detailed information and references in the study and evaluation of RFIDs (1,8,9).
8. Owners of animals with implanted microchips need to be aware that there are 3 frequencies of RFIDs in the marketplace and not all detection scanners are 100% effective in detecting all microchips. In the case of a lost animal, one must not assume that the microchip will necessarily be identified by other parties using an RFID scanner. The CVMA recommends that all search methods available be used to try and locate a missing animal.
9. The CVMA encourages animal owners to discuss the benefits and risks associated with RFID implantation with their veterinarian. The benefits of microchipping outweigh any risks which tend to be rare and minor (e.g., migration of the microchip from its original implantation site) (10,11).

References

1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Microchipping of Animals (2013). Available https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/microchipping-animals. Last accessed July 2021.
2. International Organization for Standardization: ISO 11784 and 11785; Available from: https://www.iso.org/home.html. Last accessed July 2021.
3. National Companion Animal Coalition Recognized List (NCAC). Available from: http://www.ncaccnac.ca/. Last accessed July 2021.
4. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Microchip Identification Project https://wsava.org/committees/microchip-identification-project/. Last accessed July 2021.
5. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Microchip Identification Guidelines (2020). https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/microchip-identification-guidelines/. Last accessed July 2021.
6. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. The Importance of Microchipping. Available from: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Microchipping-The-Importance-of-ISO.pdf. Last accessed July 2021.
7. American Animal Hospital Association. Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool. Available from: https://www.aaha.org/petmicrochiplookup. Last accessed July 2021.
8. American Animal Hospital Association. Animal Identification and Microchipping (2015). Available https://www.aaha.org/about-aaha/aaha-position-statements/animal-identification/. Last accessed July 2021.
9. British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Microchipping Advice. Available from: https://www.bsava.com/Resources/Veterinary-resources/Microchipping. Last accessed July 2021.
10. United Kingdom Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Microchip Adverse Event Reporting Scheme. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/report-veterinary-medicine-problem. Last accessed July 2021.
11. AVMA. Microchipping of Animals FAQs. Available from: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq. Last accessed July 2021.