The AVID Microchip

Every day pets are lost. How many “LOST PET” signs have you seen? Tragically, millions of pets never make it back home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:       What is the AVID Microchip? 
A:         The AVID 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.

Q:        How does the AVID Microchip work? 
A:         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 you pet's identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than .04 seconds.

Q:        How long does the AVID Microchip last? 
A:         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 life span of most pets.

Q:        What is the youngest age a pet can be identified? 
A:         Animals of any age can be injected with the AVID Microchip. Puppies and kittens are usually identified during their initial vaccine series.

Q:        My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with an AVID Microchip? 
A:         It only takes one time for the mailman, gardener, meter reader, neighbor or visitor 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 stolen and sold for research. Animals such as purebreds are valuable and are stolen for resale.

Q:        Does my pet have to be sedated for the injection?
A:         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.

Q:        Does the procedure hurt my pet? 
A:         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.

Q:        Could my pet be allergic to the AVID Microchip? 
A:         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.

Q:        How do I know the shelter will be able to check for the AVID Microchip? 
A:         AVID offers an innovative program designed to place readers in shelters at no cost to the shelter, or to the taxpayer! Area veterinarians and AVID are donating readers to shelters that promise to check animals for the AVID Microchip.

Q:        If my pet is found, how does the shelter know to contact me? 
A:         When a shelter finds a pet with a microchip they will call AVID. If the pet is registered with AVID'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.

Q:        What is PETtrac? 
A:         PETtrac is a nationwide computerized tracking system for companion animals identified with the AVID Microchip. When you become a member, PETtrac can reunite your pets directly with you.

Q:        What is the cost to register with PETtrac? 
A:         You pay a one-time fee of $35.00. As a limetime member you register all pets you ever own, that have been identified with the AVID microchip, at no additional cost. There are no annual fees. There is, however, a $7.50 charge for address or ownership changes. Animal recovery workers can find your pet's family directly rather than through your veterinarian.

Q:        What happens if I'm on vacation and my pet is found at the shelter? 
A:         PETtrac maintains your ‘alternate contact' information. Your pet would be released to your authorized representative to ensure it's well-being. So your pet is protected even when you are not at home, no matter what the reason.