Microchipping of companion animals addressed

At its November meeting, the AVMA Executive Board approved several recommendations related to the microchipping of animals for identification.

The board adopted objectives and four key elements as a basis for developing and implementing a national radio frequency identification standard for companion animals, birds, and equids. The Council on Veterinary Service, which submitted the recommendation to the board, was charged with developing the objectives and key elements. The House of Delegates in July 2005 had passed a resolution directing the AVMA to take an active role in defining, recommending, endorsing, and implementing a national microchip standard for companion animals, birds, and equids.

According to the COVS, the objectives of an effective system of electronic identification of animals are to accurately identify animals to aid in reuniting them with their owners and to accurately identify animals for regulatory purposes. The four key elements necessary to achieve the objectives of an effective system of electronic identification system, the council reported, are the RFID device; the scanner or reader network; database operation and management, including the process of registration of implanted animals; and defined operating procedures.

Also on recommendation from the COVS, the board reaffirmed an AVMA position to support standards established for radio frequency identification of animals by the International Organization for Standardization.

In addition, the board approved continued participation of the AVMA in the Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families to encourage the implementation of a national microchip standard for companion animals, birds, and equids.

For more information on the COVS and its efforts on microchipping, contact the Membership and Field Services Division at (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6678.