The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) supports the permanent identification of all companion animals using an implanted microchip transponder manufactured to ISO 11784/5. BSAVA recommends that the transponder should be implanted according to the WSAVA list of implant sites.
BSAVA recommends that the details of all implanted animals should be maintained on a central database or databases which can be accessed by a single well publicised phone and internet portal that is manned at all times.
BSAVA recommends that identification microchips for companion animals should only be supplied sterile with an appropriate devise which enables implantation to be carried out aseptically and that the registration fee for the database should be included in the purchase price.
BSAVA recommends that manufacturers of identification microchips, suppliers and operators of the databases should comply with the Codes of Practice drawn up by the Microchip Advisory Group and the Dog identification group (DIG).
BSAVA also recommends that its members only purchase products and services from companies who comply with these Codes. Details of the current Codes and those companies subscribing to them can be found on the BSAVA web site under Microchip Advice under the Advice section.
Approval: BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 26 (Pet identification schemes) 1999.
Recent update: March 2005