Advanced ID - The Leaders in RFID Solutions

Our Products

Veterinarians

Breeders

Municipalities/Shelters

How To Buy

FAQs

Implantation Procedure | Upcoming Events | FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – About Microchips

1. How many kinds of microchips are available in North America for Companion Pets?
Microchips are distributed by many different companies under several different names, making it appear as though there are many different kinds of microchips. Although there is a minimum of six manufacturers producing companion animal microchips, there are only three kinds (standards) used in North America; FECAVA, ISO and AVID Encrypted. FECAVA and ISO are distributed in Canada. FECAVA and AVID Encrypted are distributed in the USA. Here in Canada, FECAVA is also referred to as the Canadian Standard, FDX-A, 125 KHz, Annex A of ISO standard 11785, the Euro-chip, the AVID FriendChip, PetNet and Anitech chip. The ISO standard is also referred to as FDX-B, 134.2 KHz, the Allflex, EIDAP and 24PetWatch chip. Microchip4Solutions distribute both FECAVA and ISO microchips.

2. What is the difference between FECAVA and ISO microchips?
When detected by a scanner, a FECAVA microchip appears as 10 alpha-numeric characters. Each manufacturer of FECAVA has chosen a unique computer generated sequence of characters to prevent duplication and to help identify the producers and suppliers. An ISO microchip appears as 15 numeric-only characters. Each manufacturer of ISO has been assigned a three digit code, usually beginning with a number “9”. A unique sequence of twelve numbers is to follow. A “0” at the beginning of an ISO sequence picked up on a scanner is not part of the ID number. Some countries have requested that manufacturers produce ISO chips indicating a country code in the sequence. Technically, current FECAVA standards operate on a 125 KHz frequency and ISO operates on a 134.2 KHz frequency. Both standards are administered by the same gauge needle, in the same injection site and read in the same manner.

3. Is the FECAVA microchip safe to use?
FECAVA has been used in Canadian pets for more than 15 years. The most common models of microchip scanners provided to animal shelters and veterinary clinics in North America have the ability to read the FECAVA standard microchip. FECAVA is currently being used in the USA. It was used and is still recognized in most of Europe, the UK, Australasia and other major countries worldwide. Despite the adoption of the ISO standard in Europe and the UK, FECAVA is still used and is accepted as part of the Pet Travel Scheme.
See www.defra.gov.uk./animalh/quarantine/PETS/Procedures/Support-info/micro.htm

4. Is the ISO microchip safe to use?
Although the ISO standard is available, the scanner base in Canada does not completely support it. Despite the recommendation in July 2000 by the CVMA to adopt the ISO standard, a high percentage of shelters and clinics are still unable to read ISO microchips with the scanners they use, presenting a huge risk to strays with ISO microchips. As well, the US has not adopted the ISO standard, meaning an estimated 70,000 scanners south of the border do not read ISO microchips. With the continual movement of pets and animals across the Canadian/US borders, it remains safest to administer the FECAVA microchip in any animal that may possibly be transported to the US. Reports at www.rfidnews.com indicate a host of flaws shadowing the current ISO standard, including the ease of duplication. It is suggested in order to assure security, revisions such as encryption, need to be made before the ISO standard should continue to be used.

Frequently Asked Questions – About Scanners

1. How many different kinds of microchip scanners are there?
As in the case of microchips, there are several manufacturers of scanners and depending on each country’s adopted standards, scanners may differ from country to country. In Canada, prior to the year 2000, the majority of scanners were provided either by PetNet/Anitech or AVID. Since 2000, additional scanners have been provided by Microchip4Solutions, EIDAP and 24PetWatch. Common scanner names are Destron, Mini Trackers, Pocket readers, Digital Angel, Identifiers, Allflex and Datamars readers.

2. How do you know which microchip standard is being read when scanned?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine if a scanner is a FECAVA only, ISO only or dual reader based on physical appearance. Unless a scanner indicates its read capabilities directly on it, the only sure way to verify a scanner’s read capabilities it to test it with samples of each microchip standard or to contact the manufacturer with the model number.

3. How long will it take for Canada’s scanner base to be completely ISO compatible?
Since July 2000, scanner suppliers have yet to accomplish replacing the estimated 5,000 FECAVA scanners that were distributed prior to the CVMA’s recommendation to adopt the ISO standard. It appears it will be several more years before complete ISO compatibility will be accomplished, if at all, as currently many suppliers of “dual” readers have either slowed down or ceased distribution of these scanners. Reasons include the inability to produce a high quality accurate reader at an economical price. Test markets have shown that in combining the technology to read two different frequencies in a single unit, efficient performance and accuracy is being sacrificed. Read distance is shorter, more time is required to allow the scanner to identify the standard of microchip it is attempting to read and some microchips that should be detected are not being picked up at all. It seems to be “hit and miss”, while some scanners perform well and others operate below acceptable levels.

Frequently Asked Questions – About AVID and PETtrac

1. Why do AVID microchips cost more than other microchips?
When we began distributing AVID products in 1994, we priced our microchips comparable to PetNet’s, as they were the only other microchip company operating in Canada at the time. In the 10 years we have been in business, our microchip prices have remained unchanged. Our prices and services remain consistent and reliable. We believe our customers appreciate those qualities. There are no surprises.

We could do as other companies have done to make microchips cheaper up front such as separate microchips from the registration, implement an annual fee, add pet insurance, etc. However, it is our belief that conducting business in this manner would cause a breakdown in the pet recovery system that we have worked so hard to build. If the responsibility was thrust onto pet owners, we believe they would not always follow through. Pet owners faced with paying an annual service fee or for pet insurance may not bother updating their pet recovery information to avoid paying additional fees that our competitor’s charge. Dissatisfied pet owners will ultimately turn to their veterinarian for assistance. The onus would be placed on veterinary clinics to provide customer service or assist with pet recoveries. We do not believe the clinics need to be burdened with these additional tasks.

Clinics purchasing AVID microchips are providing their customers with an all-inclusive package consisting of a microchip ID, collar tag ID and lifetime registration on a 24-hour pet recovery database for a one-time fee. When you use AVID, you get what you pay for and you can be assured that your clients are receiving the most complete system. Additionally, they will not be solicited at any time to purchase other products or be assessed additional fees.

2. Are AVID chips the same as PetNet chips?
Yes. AVID FriendChips are comparable in price, are the same FECAVA standard as PetNet chips and are compatible with all models of PetNet (Destron or Digital Angel) scanners and Pocket Readers.

3. How big is AVID Canada’s PETtrac database?
AVID Canada’s PETtrac database is currently Canada’s largest active database, housing nearly one million registrations. In September 2004, AVID Canada acquired the PetNet database holding all registrations prior to January 2003 and combined them with our own existing registrations to offer the best opportunity for a stray pet to be identified and returned home in a single recovery attempt.

4. What are the advantages of AVID’s PETtrac database?
Our database is for the sole purpose of pet recovery. It is our goal to maintain the integrity and security of our PETtrac database because our business is ensuring lost pets are returned home.

WE DO…
Accept the registration of all animals, microchipped or not, on PETtrac using any type of microchip, tattoo or rabies tag as the registration and tracing ID.

Keep accurate tracking in our system of all sold microchips, from distribution to end-user.

Provide FREE secure on-line PETtrac registration and tracing to authorized veterinary clinics and shelter facilities.

Require proof of ownership from individuals registering on PETtrac directly with AVID Canada, to deter false ownership registrations.

WE DO NOT…
Charge any service or annual fee.

Have partners or service providers that we sell or share information with from our PETtrac database for the purpose of solicitation.

Offer on-line registration to individual pet owners so as to prevent false owner registrations.

Solicit pet owners for more money by selling or promoting any other pet service or pet products outside of our microchip/pet recovery program.

5. What happens if a pet being recovered is not on AVID’s PETtrac database?
AVID Canada’s recovery specialists will assist a recovery even if the pet is not registered on PETtrac. They are trained to recognize the different microchips and will refer a caller to the appropriate registry anywhere in North America.

6. What does AVID Canada offer to all participating clinics for promotional material and training?
We are proud to offer an extensive in-clinic marketing program that includes buttons, stickers, posters, puppy-kitten kit flyers and pet owner care sheets at no cost.

A limit of promo FriendChips are available to utilize in conjunction with open houses and customer awareness.

Special pricing is available for those wanting to promote microchip ID to their clients through a pre-planned week or weekend microchip clinic.

All staff members benefit from our Employee Microchip Program which provides a full microchip package for your own pets at a discount price.