General Questions
General Questions
What is the AVID® microchip?
A.V.I.D. stands for American Veterinary Identification Devices. The AVID® microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is encased in a smooth, strong biocompatible glass, and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with the chip, he can be identified throughout his life by this one-of-a-kind number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.
How does the microchip work?
The microchip is generally injected deeply under the skin. It sits safely there, totally inert. A special scanner is used to send a radio signal through the skin of the animal to read the chip. The animal feels nothing as the scanner is passed over him. The microchip sends it’s number back to the scanner. It appears in the viewing window as, for example, AVID 220*609*321.
How long does the microchip last?
The microchip has no power supply, battery, or moving parts. It is designed with an operating life of over 25 years and is guaranteed for the life of the animal. Once injected, the microchip is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it. The chip requires no care. It does not pass through or out of the body.
How does the scanner work?
The AVID® scanner sends a safe radio wave signal to the microchip. When the chip receives this signal, it sends data (the microchip number) back to the scanner to be displayed in a viewing window. AVID® scanners emit helpful audible beeps, display descriptions of actions in progress, and have a low battery message. Small handheld scanners are held close to the implant site while scanning. They have a reading range of about 3 inches. Larger, more powerful scanners can be used for various commercial and research applications. Read ranges vary from 6 to 20 inches depending upon specifications.
Does the procedure hurt the animal?
Although the microchip needle is larger than a typical vaccine needle, the general rule is this…your animals will react the SAME way to this shot as they do to any other. No better, no worse. Animals do not over react to it. Their physical performance is not impaired and there is no scarring. You are not injecting any substance that can burn or irritate; the chip is completely biocompatible and non-offensive.
Does the animal have to be sedated for the injection?
No! Injecting the AVID® microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anesthesia is not required or recommended.
Could my animal be allergic to the chip?
The AVID® microchip is inert, smooth and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being properly injected.
Can the microchip move around once inside the body of the animal?
When properly implanted, a small layer of connective tissue forms around the microchip, preventing movement or migration of the chip. Instructions and injection sites will vary depending upon the specie. As with any brand of chip, AVID® microchips will not migrate if instructions are followed and implantation is correct.
If the animal shelter picks up one of my animals, how do they know to call AVID®?
Animal shelters and animal control officers have been educated and informed about microchip identification and how it works. Shelters use industrywide, cross-compatible scanners that read all chips operating at a certain frequency. Once a microchip is located in an animal, the appropriate steps are taken. If the animal is registered with AVID's PetTrac™ Recovery System, the shelter will be given the owner's name. If the animal is not registered, they will be given the name of the veterinarian or the breeder who injected the microchip.
Where is the injection site in puppies?
Puppies are injected between the shoulder blades with a deep subcutaneous (under the skin) delivery of the chip.
How early can puppies be injected with the chip?
Most breeders inject the chip between the ages of five and eight weeks of age. Of course, the injection can also be done at any time after that.
Will the implanted microchip move or migrate?
You will have no problem with migration if you follow our instructions. AVID® microchips are sealed with a special smooth coating. This coating, once in contact with body fluids and subcutaneous tissue, helps the microchip stay where you put it.
In the show ring, can the microchip be felt by the judge’s hands?
No. When the chip is properly implanted deeply under the skin, no one will be able to locate the chip by touch, even in tiny breeds.
How many brands of chips are there? Can shelters read the AVID® chip?
Microchips operate by sending and receiving radiowave signals. Therefore they function at a particular frequency. In the United States the accepted and used radiowave frequency is 125 kHz. The chips most commonly used in the United States companion animal industry are AVID® and HomeAgain™. Shelters know and trust these microchip companies to provide fast recovery services for lost pets.
In the mid 90's, shelter groups asked microchip companies to provide shelters with a "universal" scanner that could read both chips. Since then, rescue groups, shelters and humane societies can use a single scanner to detect any 125 kHz microchip.
