Do you microchip your dogs? by Avid Canada

microshipThere are a few very important things you should know about Microchips.

IF YOU BUY AVID MICROCHIPS FROM THE CKC, they include registration on the CKC's registry, Canada Chip. They do not include registration on AVID's PETtrac Registry and 24 Hour Recovery Service, PETtrac collar tags or implantation by a vet clinic. IF YOU BUY AN AVID MICROCHIP THROUGH A VET CLINIC, it includes PETtrac Registration and 24 Hour Recovery Service, a PETtrac collar tag and the implantation fee in the price.

IF YOU BUY DIRECTLY FROM AVID CANADA, PETtrac Registration and 24 Hour Recovery Service as well as PETtrac collar tags are included in the price, but do not include implantation by a vet clinic.

WHAT IS PETtrac?

PETtrac is AVID's in-house registry and national recovery database. It is accessible toll free 24 hours a day, everyday, by live operators trained to provide the most efficient recovery service for lost and stolen pets. The PETtrac database stores pertinent detailed information about the pet and owner. It also provides contact information such as family vet, breeder and alternates in the event the owner cannot be located. Both the pet's microchip number and PETtrac collar tag number provide access to a pet's registration on PETtrac.

If you buy microchips from the CKC and you or your clients would like to register on PETtrac, registration forms are available through AVID Canada for a fee of $21.40. The PETtrac traceable collar tags are available for $2.50 each. Both include GST. The registration fee is a one-time fee for as long as an owner owns their pet. There are no fees for updates. Registration can be purchased by a breeder prior to selling a dog, but the breeder should register as "Breeder" and leave the "Owner" information blank. One new owner per dog can be added on the PETtrac database no charge at the time a dog is sold. There is a $21.40 fee for "Change of Ownership" and a signed certificate by the registered owner or proof of ownership is required to change ownership.

WHAT TYPE OF MICROCHIPS SHOULD YOU USE?

For dogs, sterile microchips in a single use disposable needle are mandatory in Canada.

No matter where you purchase your microchips from, you should know what standard of microchip to purchase for each dog depending on what country it is destined for. There are two standards of microchips now available in Canada. FECAVA is the current Canadian standard and ISO is the microchip of the future. The following indicates what type of microchip to purchase currently for the country a dog will be sold in:

Most other overseas countries are switching from FECAVA to ISO.

WHY NOT USE ISO MICROCHIPS IN CANADA YET?

Much like when we went metric, Canada is making a transition to ISO standards based on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association's desire to meet with a global standardization, but the transition is slow because it requires every vet clinic and animal shelter to be equipped with readers programmed to read both FECAVA and ISO standards. To date, less than half of the Canadian clinics and shelters have upgraded to the new ISO compatible readers. When the upgrade of all Canadian readers has taken place, the idea is to then begin using ISO standard microchips.

However, the US does not plan to follow suit for a minimum of ten years. The upgrade to ISO compatible readers will take much longer because of this. Therefore, an animal with an ISO microchip scanned in the US will most likely be unidentifiable. This is cause for concern if you travel to the US with your dogs or sell them there.

NEED AN ISO MICROCHIP?

The CKC and most Canadian vet clinics still distribute FECAVA microchips, and will for some time yet. If you require and ISO microchip for a dog destined for overseas and cannot get them through your usual distributor, please call AVID Canada direct as we supply both FECAVA and ISO standard Microchips.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AVID MICROCHIPS?

An AVID microchip is a very reliable, permanent, tamperproof form of identification designed specifically for animals. It consists of no toxic and biocompatible components, has no power source, has a life expectancy of over 75 years and will not fade with time. It is less stressful than a tattoo. It takes less time, does not require anesthesia and is no more painful than a vaccination shot.

WHAT ABOUT MIGRATION?

Any microchip can migrate, depending on how it is implanted. An AVID microchip that migrates does not pose any harm to a dog, it just takes more time and patience to locate the microchip with a reader. AVID microchips are coated in a biocompatible anti-migratory substance to help tissue bond to the microchip soon after injection, but implant procedure can make a difference. That is why adequate training is necessary. The chip must be injected deep enough to come into contact with tissue. Placed just under the skin, it has nothing to anchor to. It can travel virtually anywhere close to the surface of the skin and usually remains there without harming a dog. Migrating microchips do not have the ability to bore into bone, tissue or muscle. Please report any migrated AVID microchip to AVID Canada.

DOES A VET HAVE TO IMPLANT A MICROCHIP?

While implanting microchips is not a complex procedure, it is considered a veterinarian procedure and should be done by a veterinarian, vet technician or someone who is adequately trained to do so in order to minimize the risk of migration. AVID Canada will stand behind the AVID microchip and provide a free replacement in the event of any defect prior to implantation. If a defect or migration occurs after injection, a second microchip will be provided at no charge if a qualified individual with adequate training handled it. If a breeder plans on doing their own implants, AVID Canada recommends that they approach a vet clinic for training and supervision. If the clinic provides written confirmation that a breeder has achieved successful training, AVID Canada will provide a free replacement for any migrated microchip. We do not advise removing an original microchip without first reporting the migration to AVID Canada. Be sure to advise all your clients to have their dogs' microchips scanned regularly, every time they visit their vet.

204, 619 - 11 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0Y8

Toll Free: 1-800-338-1397 Ph: (403) 264-6300 Fax: (403) 263-2055
Email: avidcan@cadvision.com Website: www.avidcanada.com



About The Breed
General Facts | Breed History | Raising Your Dog

Related Activities
Tracking | Obedience | Herding | Agility | Schutzhund

Articles
Temperament Test | Aggression