Avid is the Microchip that I use.
My puppies are all microchipped. I do not allow them to go to their new homes
unless they are.
Not having a microchip in a puppy from Robbins Run Ranch is not an option.
Below you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the Avid Website.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are AVID® microchips and scanners "Universal"?
AVID® is the most cross-compatible microchip system on the market. So you can
choose just how "universal" you want to be. You can purchase the MiniTracker II,
that reads ONLY the AVID® chip. Or you can purchase one of our other models
that will detect and read several brands of chips. Some of these brand marketing
names are: AVID® , Destron® and HomeAgain™ . They are approved by
FECAVA, The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary
Associations.
On the chip side, you can purchase AVID® microchips that can be read only by
an AVID® scanner or you can purchase AVID® microchips (called EURO Chips)
that can be read by our competitors' scanners also. The price of the chips is the
same.
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Who is qualified to inject the AVID® microchip?
Microchips go into the animal by way of standard injection. Those familiar with the
delivery systems for vaccines and regular shots will have no problem injecting the
chip. Complete step-by-step instructions are included with all products.
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My pet already has an AVID chip.
How can I get him registered in the AVID network for lost pets? How can I
change his registration?
Please contact PETtrac directly calling them at (800)336-2843. They will answer
all of your questions and/or send you an application.
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Can I microchip animals belonging to others?
No, unless you are a veterinarian. There are two reasons for this. The microchips
are registered upon purchase to the buyer, and secondly, most states require
that you be a veterinarian to do any "invasive" procedure to animals other than
your own.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What is the best age to inject the microchip?
Minimal age varies somewhat depending upon the specie. Please see
appropriate section.
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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. The majority have universal
AVID® scanners on hand and routinely scan lost pets. 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
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Where is the injection site in dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats are injected between the shoulder blades with a deep
subcutaneous (under the skin) delivery of the chip.
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How early can puppies and kittens 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.
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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.
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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.
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What are the AKC regulations and rules regarding the use of microchips?
The use of microchips satisfies the AKC’s policy for record keeping and
identification. The identifying microchip number must be noted on the dog or litter
record. If microchips are used as the primary means of identification, a scanner
must be present at all times if there are more than 20 dogs over six months of
age on the premises.
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Does the USDA accept microchips?
Yes. USDA licensed breeders and brokers are using microchips to identify their
animals, eliminating the need for tattoos and/or collars. You should complete a
USDA "Request to Use Microchipping as a Method of Identification". We do the
rest. Your chips are registered to you and we include your USDA number in our
database, if you so chose.
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I have toy breeds/kittens. They are so tiny. Can I use the chip?
Absolutely. We have thousands of toy breed customers. You can chip your
puppies/kittens as early as six weeks. Remember, the same sized microchip and
needle are used in animals even smaller than yours, including mice, baby birds,
and even fish!
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How many brands of chips are there? Can shelters read the AVID® chip?
In the U.S. companion animal industry, the chips of choice are manufactured by
AVID® or Destron® . AVID® makes, sells and distributes its own chips, under
the name of AVID®. Destron® uses several different distributors that rename the
products. For example, the HomeAgain™ chip is made by Destron® , but sold by
Schering-Plough®. So, although there are several different brand names on the
market, there are only two manufacturers, AVID® and Destron®. Shelters use
AVID's universal scanner which reads both.
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