ISO 11785 Implant Specifications

According to the American Humane Association, only 17 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats return home after being reported missing. Implantation of electronic transponders under the skin of domestic pets increases the odds that an animal will return to its owner. The International Standards Organization instituted the ISO 11785 standard for the manufacture of transponders, ensuring compatibility with microchip readers everywhere.

  1. Importance of Standardization

    • Implanting your pet with a microchip provides proof of ownership and traceability when the animal goes missing, but only if the information on the chip can be reliably accessed. Electronic identification depends on a unique number for each microchip and the chip's being read by any scanner, even if made by a manufacturer different from the one that made the chip. Recording the owner's information on an easily available database, with up-to-date information showing if an owner moves or sells his pet, allows for identification of the pet after scanning. Chip standardization ensures that any veterinarian or animal control agency can access the information embedded in the implant.

    11785 Implant Specifications

    • The 11785 implant measures 3 millimeters in width by 12 millimeters in length. This size ensures the microchip is large enough to function while still concealable on your pet. The microchip broadcasts on frequency 134.2 kilohertz. A standard frequency ensures your pet's implant is compatible with scanners used in every veterinarian's office.

      A unique 15-digit number assigned to each microchip ensures easy identification of your pet. Bio-glass encapsulation ensures the implant functions properly while leaving your pet unharmed. The implant's optimal operating temperature is 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It is resistant to salt water, alcohol and oil.

    Additional Information

    • Microchips are implanted deep under the skin, between the shoulder blades, in a non-surgical procedure. The cost of the microchip and implanting procedure ranges from $25 to $40 (as of 2010). Microchips have no moving parts and receive power from the scanner, so once implanted they never wear out or need replacing.