Trends in Pet Microchip Laws 2001-2022

A reliable identification system is crucial when a missing pet does not find its way home.

- Kelly Crouch

Collars with tags and tattoos are low-tech options, but 1989 ushered in an era of high-tech pet identification when the first pet was microchipped (Search, p. 2). Low-tech or high, all contribute to the variety of existing pet identification laws. The laws were enacted for various reasons, but fanciers are most likely to be impacted by laws designed to help identify owners of lost pets and other animals entering shelters. Although not the subject of this article, fanciers should also be aware that other microchip laws may impact them - such as requirements for breeders, pet dealers, and traveling with pets. Whatever the goal, the Animal Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), or microchip, system is deceptively attractive to lawmakers. The three-part system consists of microchips, scanners, and databases. Figure One below describes how the system works, but failures can occur throughout the process. Many factors impact the system's efficacy, including the business "environment" and confusion about the process and what the chips actually do. These chips are not GPS devices; nor can the owner's contact information be loaded on the chip as some ill-conceived proposals have required. The chip only stores an alphanumeric code allowing authorized people to retrieve contact information from a registry if the chip is registered.

Figure 1: Parts of a Pet Microchip Identification System

The scanner sends a signal to empower the microchip. The signal flows through the antenna to the IC that creates a signal carrying the identification data of the microchip which is returned to the scanner through the antenna.

No Part of the System is Infallible!

Microchip = Integrated + Bio-compatible Circuit (IC) + Antenna Glass Enclosure