ICAR

International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) approval

We have confirmed with ICAR that our manufacturers are ICAR approved.  ICAR does not certify manufacturers but approval is given to a specific code after testing the product.

Aims and Objectives of ICAR

The aim of ICAR is to promote the development and improvement of the activities of performance recording and the evaluation of farm livestock.

1. The Object of ICAR, an international or non-profit body, shall be to promote the development and amelioration of performance recording for farm animals and their evaluation, such Object to be achieved through the establishing of definitions and standards for measuring characteristics having economic importance.

   a) ICAR establishes rules and standards and specific guidelines for the purpose of identifying animals, the registration of their parentage, recording their performance and their evaluation, and publish the findings.

   b) It provides incentives for concertation and collaboration in all activities having to do with animal performance recording and evaluation within and among international organisations, public authorities and industry;

   c) It encourages the use of the findings of performance recording for the purpose of assessing the value of animals and establishing specific codes of conduct, given that both aspects have a bearing on the profitability of animal production.

   d) It facilitates the interpretation of findings at the practical level by publishing reports showing the results obtained through the application of methods of performance recording and evaluation.

2. The association has also as its aim the drafting of articles, publication and distribution of journals and books, the organisation of seminars and workshops, and granting scholarships to selected researchers or students.
3. Within the scope of its activities, the association can enter into any transaction having to do with movable or immovable property where such transactions are in pursuit of its aims.

http://www.icar.org/pages/aims.htm

International Guidelines

Advice received from AKC

‘The Unites States does not have one single standard required microchip at this time. Most dogs imported from Europe and other countries (not sure about SA) have ISO standard microchips – the 134.2 kHz FDXB microchips.  There are four main microchip types used in the USA, and we are building out an infrastructure of universal readers that will read all microchips.  The standard implantation site in the USA is between the shoulder blades.

You may also wish to check with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), US Customs Service and US CDC, along with your veterinarian, on rules regarding exporting a dog to the USA.’’

Advice received from the German pet travel company:

‘Going to any EU country you will need a 15 digit microchip meeting ISO standard 11784/11785’