The AVMA endorses the use of electronic identification in animals and supports the standardization in materials, procedures, equipment, and registries.
The objectives of an effective system of electronic identification of animals are to:

1. Accurately identify animals to aid in reuniting animals with their owners
2. Accurately identify animals for regulatory purposes
   1. Travel (both international and domestic)
   2. Certificates of Inspection
   3. Identification of specific animals such as breeding animals, competition animals, animals where legislation mandates permanent identification (e.g.: an animal adjudicated to be a "dangerous individual")

The following key elements are necessary to achieve the objectives of an effective system of electronic identification of animals:

1. The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Device (transponder) - a microchip implant for companion animals, birds and equids
   1. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) compliant RFID technology that adheres to and is based on ISO 11784/11785
   2. Open technology as defined by the ISO 11784/11785
   3. Unique numbers must be used to reduce the chances of misrepresentation of the animal. A country code should be used only if there is a centrally run, national database that assumes responsibility for ensuring identification number uniqueness to prevent duplication of numbers. If there is no centrally run, national database, then manufacturer codes must be used to insure that every animal identification number will remain unique.
   4. Transponders shall be visible radiographically (x-ray) and by ultrasound.
2. The scanner/reader network -
   1. All scanners used must be backward and forward compatible ("Global Scanners"), where all scanners can read the data contained in all chips
   2. An appropriate period of time for implementation of approved technologies must be incorporated (2 years suggested by CoVS) to allow for a smooth transition and implementation of the appropriate infrastructure, once the national system has been adopted
   3. Technical / medical services should be provided by manufacturers/distributors
      1. Provide for means of receiving reports of adverse reactions and provide recommendations of medical mitigation of the situations
      2. Respond to technical questions concerning implantation or device operation
3. Database operation and management, including process of registration of implanted animals
   1. Cost of operating the database and registering animals should be included in the price of the microchip
   2. Database must be accessible 24/7/365
   3. Microchip numbers should be able to be traced from the appropriate manufacturer/distributor to the implanted animal
   4. Owner education is crucial
      1. Still need external identification, such as collar/tags
      2. Must update registration information as needed on a timely basis
         1. Without appropriate registration, a lost, microchipped animal that is scanned would probably not be able to be reunited with its owner(s).
   5. Security of information must be ensured
      1. The unique 15-digit, animal identification number contained on the microchip in accordance with ISO 11784/11785 can not be changed
      2. Only the owner can change registration information
   6. The AVMA supports the establishment of a single source for companion animal microchip database information recovery.
4. Defined operating procedures
   1. Education of veterinary, shelter and animal control individuals on the appropriate method to scan for microchips. The "global" scanner may take a few seconds longer to accurately scan for all possible implanted microchips than a scanner which reads only one frequency. The advantage is that each animal will only have to be scanned with one scanner/reader.
   2. Implantation of microchips is a veterinary procedure. The subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of an injectable transponder (an electronic identification device) in an animal for an animal owner is an injection procedure and, therefore, constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine. The injection should be done by a licensed veterinarian or under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
   3. Sites in animals where microchips are to be implanted must be standardized. For domestic dogs and cats, the recommended site for subcutaneous injection of a transponder is on the dorsal midline, just cranial to the shoulder blade or scapula. For companion birds, the recommended site for intramuscular injection of a transponder is in the pectoral muscle. For horses, the transponders are injected on the left side at approximately the level of the 3rd or 4th cervical vertebrae and into the nuchal ligament.
5. RFID technology will eventually include the market availability of advanced transponders having enhanced data storage and read-write capabilities. Data security issues exist and are being addressed by the ISO, such as through the development of ISO 14223. The AVMA would support the use of advanced transponders when an open-standard solution for advanced transponders exists.