Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the AVID Microchip?

The microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent, positive identification which cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed - a safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.

2. How does the AVID Microchip work?

The computer memory in the AVID Microchip contains a unique number - no two animals will ever have the same number. A radio signal is used to read this number through the skin of your pet. In addition to the number, the microchip generates a reliability check to guarantee that your pet's identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than 40 milliseconds.

3. How much does the injection cost?

The fee is set by your veterinarian. We have heard fees ranging from $25 to $40 depending on the area of the practice and what other services are being offered. Many veterinarians provide a discount if your pet is identified while in for routine surgery or dental work.

The fee is certainly less than the cost of trying to locate a lost pet. The cost of printing and hanging fliers, placing ads and rewards, calling shelters, and taking time off of work can be substantial. Not to mention the anguish and worry or worse...the heartbreak of being too late.

4. How long does the AVID Microchip last?

Once injected under the skin of your pet, the AVID Microchip becomes encased by a thin layer of protein which anchors it in place for the rest of the life of your pet. It does not pass through or out of the body. The microchip itself has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down. Therefore, it can be expected to last for decades - well beyond the lifespan of most pets.

5. What is the youngest age a pet can be identified?

Animals of any age can be injected with the AVID Microchip. Puppies and kittens are identified during their initial vaccine series. Birds, horses, and exotics can be identified at any time.

6. My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with an AVID Microchip?

It only takes one time for the mailman, gardener, meter reader, neighbor or friend to leave the gate open or the door ajar. Unaltered pets in particular have a desire to roam. Pet theft is also a daily occurrence. Well behaved pets are sold for research. Animals such as purebreds, birds and exotics are valuable and are stolen for resale. Even horses are frequently stolen and sold for slaughter. Most shelters destroy the majority of pets they impound. They are destroyed only because they are not identified.

7. Does my pet 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 since there is minimal discomfort with the procedure.

8. Does the procedure hurt my pet?

Not at all. The injection creates only a slight discomfort - most pets don't even react to it. The microchip is encapsulated in a specially formulated biocompatible material created specifically for this kind of application.

9. Could my pet be allergic to the AVID Microchip?

The AVID Microchip is inert and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being properly injected.

10. How do I know the shelter will be able to check for the AVID Microchip?

AVID offers an innovative program designed to place readers in shelters at no cost to the shelter, or the taxpayer! Area veterinarians and AVID are donating readers to shelters that promise to check animals for the AVID Microchips.

11. If my pet is found, how does the shelter know to contact me?

When a shelter finds a pet with a microchip they will call AVID. If the pet is registered with AVlD's recovery network, PETtrac, the shelter will be given the owner's name. If the pet is not registered, they will be given the name of the veterinarian who injected the microchip. The veterinarian will provide the owner's latest information.

12. What is PETtrac?

PETtrac is a global computerized tracking system for companion animals identified with the AVID Microchip. When you become a member, PETtrac can reunite your pets directly with you.

13. What is the cost to register with PETtrac?

You pay a one-time fee of $18.50 for a single pet or $50.00 for all your pets (up to 8 pets). There are no annual fees. There is, however, a $6.00 charge for information changes. Change of ownership requires a new registration. Animal recovery workers can find your pet's family directly rather than through your veterinarian.

14. What happens if I'm on vacation and my pet is found at the shelter?

PETtrac maintains "an alternate contact" information. Your pet would be released to your authorized representative to insure its well-being. Your pet is protected even when you are not at home, no matter what the reason.