An ISO-compatible microchip is a pet microchip that meets international standards for identification set by the International Standards Organization. Most importantly, they can be read by universal scanners all over the world.

Microchips that don’t meet those standards may not be as easily scannable, if they’re scannable at all. This isn’t just a problem when planning a big move with your pet.

Microchipping your pet with an ISO-compliant microchip increases the likelihood of identification if they’re ever lost, whether that’s closer to home or when traveling or relocating internationally.

Key Features

ISO-compliant microchip IDs follow international standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785, making pet identification reliable and universally accessible. Here’s a little more detail on the key features that set them apart:

Frequency: The ISO standard frequency is 134.2 kHz, the standardized international frequency compatible with universal scanners. A universal scanner may be able to pick up 125 kHz or 128 kHz (non-ISO standard) microchips, but it’s not guaranteed.
Numeric ID Number: Pet identification comes in the form of a 15-digit ID, where the first three digits represent the manufacturer’s code. It’s important to note that not all 15-digit microchip numbers operate on the ISO standard frequency. Both things should be true.
Universal Recognition: ISO chips can be read by microchip readers worldwide. Even if your pet’s chance of leaving its home base is small, it’s a good idea to make sure your pet’s chip is universally readable for travel, relocation, or recovery worldwide.
Standardized Documentation: ISO-compliant microchips meet international pet travel and identification protocols. For example, people traveling to countries within the European Union will use that microchip identification to apply for an EU pet passport.
Permanent and Tamper-Proof: Your pet should always wear a collar and tags with contact information in case they run off, but an ISO-compliant microchip is a permanent form of pet ID. As they’re implanted, there’s no risk of them getting lost, either.

Why They’re Important

There’s a level of peace of mind that comes with microchipping your pet with a version that is easily readable by universal devices. It’s your pet’s permanent ID and a layer of security in emergencies or unexpected situations, like in the case of lost pets, even closer to home.

When it comes to travel, ISO-compliant microchips are often just as much of a necessity as your pet’s travel documents. Here’s why:

International Compliance: Many countries require ISO-compatible microchips for entry to ensure smooth border crossings. If border officials cannot read your cat’s or dog’s microchip, they may face delays or even quarantine.
Global Compatibility: These are universally readable by microchip scanners, improving the chances of identification no matter where they go. If border officials aren’t able to read your cat’s or dog’s microchip, your pet may face delays or even quarantine.
Streamlined Identification: ISO-compliant microchips make it easy to match your pet’s unique identification number to their health paperwork. While they don’t contain that information themselves, some databases allow users to track data by their chip number.
Pet Recovery: We mentioned the peace of mind that comes with microchipping at home for pets dropped at animal shelters and vet offices. Ensuring your pet’s microchip is ISO-compliant adds a layer of security if something happens in transit or abroad, as well.

ISO standards are a globally accepted form of pet identification for international travel and life abroad. In Australia, for example, your pet’s microchip is scanned at each vet visit.

They’re essentially future-proof, too, so you can rest assured that your pet won’t face new standards down the line, even if destination or airline requirements change.

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Recommended ISO-Compliant Microchips

When it comes to microchipping your pet, you have several reliable ISO-compliant options to choose from. Don’t assume that microchips are automatically compliant for those in the United States. Some types of microchips sold in the U.S. operate on a different frequency.

To make things more confusing for pet owners, brands may carry both ISO-compliant and non-ISO standard microchips. The chips below all meet international standards, making them readable across borders and ideal for travel and identification:

HomeAgain: HomeAgain sells three different microchips that are ISO-compliant. Their WorldChip is the standard option, but they also sell chips for extra-small pets.
Datamars: Swiss-made Datamars carries the ISO-compliant Microfindr™ Slim pet microchip that comes with free registration with PetLink.
Avid: Avid sells both ISO and non-ISO chips, but lists each microchip’s capabilities in their product descriptions. Look for 134.2 kHz under resonant frequency.
AKC Reunite: Backed by the American Kennel Club, these ISO-compliant microchips come in two sizes, one for larger dogs and one for smaller pets.

If you’re not sure about a product, the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) maintains a registry of RFID devices that conform to ISO standards. You can check their database to verify if your pet’s microchip manufacturer is listed.

Implantation and Registration

An ISO-compliant microchip, or transponder, is about the size of a grain of rice. It’s implanted just under the skin using a sterile syringe, usually between your pet’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation is a quick, safe procedure that is generally done during a regular vet visit.

Many people choose to have it done either when their pet is very young as part of their first series of vaccinations, or at their initial visit with a vet post-adoption. Microchipping poses no ongoing risk to your pet.

If you’re planning to travel with your pet abroad, most countries require that a pet’s microchip be implanted before (or, in some cases, at the same time) as their last rabies vaccination. Your pet should already be microchipped before any required rabies titer testing or treatments.

After implantation, you’ll need to register the chip with your contact information in a pet recovery database. This step is important. Without registration (or with incorrect registration), the chip can’t be linked back to you.

Your vet may be able to help you with this, or you can look up the relevant database with a quick online search. Your vet can also help you make sure your pet’s microchip matches information available online.

To do this, they activate the microchip by passing a scanner over the area. The animal identification number should show up on the scanner once the chip transmits that information to the device.

The microchip registration process typically takes just a few minutes and includes entering your name, phone number, address, and your pet’s details. If you move, you should keep that information updated just in case your pet ever gets lost.

You shouldn’t be concerned about your privacy when it comes to microchip databases. The information you give will only be used if your lost pet’s microchip is scanned. Customs officials use your pet’s microchip as a form of pet ID to match with accompanying paperwork during the import process. They’re not interested in matching your pet’s chip to your personal information.

Final Thoughts

ISO-compliant microchips are the best choice for pet owners seeking global reliability and peace of mind. At Tailwind Global Pet, we always recommend that pet owners check that their pets are chipped with a compatible microchip.

Unlike non-ISO chips, ISO-compatible microchips avoid compatibility issues at borders or shelters, ensuring your pet can be identified at every step of the way. Many countries require them anyway, and those that don’t may ask that you travel with a reader that provides a quick pet ID upon arrival. That’s an unnecessary burden for traveling cats and dogs.

FAQs

The ISO standard ensures that microchips use a universal frequency that is readable by scanners worldwide. This consistency is important for reliable pet identification, especially during international travel or emergencies. Some countries also require it for relocating or traveling pets.

If your pet has a non-ISO compatible microchip, it may not be readable by universal scanners, especially overseas. One option is having a new microchip implanted. One won’t interfere with the other, even if both are detected by a scanner.

If you choose to double up, it’s essential to keep both microchip databases updated with relevant contact information. You can also carry a scanner that reads your pet’s chip when traveling.

Your pet’s microchip won’t need any monitoring after the implantation itself, but having your vet check the chip’s function at a checkup is not a bad idea. You should always make sure your contact information is current in the microchip registry, too.

Microchips don’t replace ID or rabies tags. Tags provide immediate contact information and proof of vaccination where needed. A microchip is a permanent backup in case tags are lost or removed. They’re also a necessity for traveling dogs and cats.

Getting Ready to Travel With Your Pet? Tailwind Is Here to Help

Working with a pet transport service like Tailwind ensures that you’re not missing an essential piece in your travel planning. We work with our clients every step of the way to make sure that things like microchips, import permits, and health documents are all in order.

We make sure that your pet is ready to fly so that your pet’s journey is as stress-free as possible.

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.

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ISO Compatible Microchips for Pet Travel