Great efforts have been poured into microchip technology. One can argue the chronology, but microchip technology has settled with dependable standards and equipment. Still, under 30 percent of dogs and fewer than 15 percent of cats are chipped. Various sources indicate that lost pets with microchips are returned to owners at rates two or more times higher than non-chipped pets.
As veterinary teams grow and recent graduates are added, it is time to revisit why we microchip. There is plenty of information from the AVMA and from chip manufacturers. At minimum, all pets entering a practice should be scanned for a chip. If chipped, pet owners should be urged to update their pets’ information. If not, they should be encouraged to chip their pets.
Source: AVMA website.
Microchipping substantially increases the likelihood of a pet returning home by offering secure, reliable, unique and permanent identification. While some shelters automatically chip lost pets, veterinary teams are frequently hesitant to present the value of microchipping with pet owners. The AVMA offers a significant amount of FAQs, pet owners brochures, and a plethora of other information including an annual “Check the Chip” Day.
INSIGHTS: Microchip technology began taking a more universal shape in 1996-1997 with the implementation of ISO standards 11784/11785.
- ISO standard 11784 defines the structure of the microchip information content.
- Standard 11785 determines the protocol for scanner-microchip communication.
- The standards include the assignment of a 15-digit numeric identification code to each microchip
- 3 digits of the identification number designate either the 3-digit country code of the country in which the animal was implanted or the 3-digit manufacturers code
I would think that the microchip could also be used as the animals chart identifier, and therefore reduce paper charts. Of course, this would need to be linked to “A system” in which an tablet or laptop loaded with practice software that can pull up the animals records. Most readers should already be Bluetooth capable already in order to make sure there is not transposing of the 15 digit number.