ICAR certification explained: what it means when a pet microchip is certified
ICAR certification confirms a microchip meets the ISO identification standard scanners rely on worldwide. Here is what that does and does not guarantee for pet owners.
ICAR
ICAR sets the standards a lot of other systems build on
The International Committee for Animal Recording puts together standards for identification, performance recording and genetic evaluation that plenty of national and breed-specific systems rely on. It's not a name most people recognise, but its standards quietly hold together how animal recording works around the globe.
Its reach goes well past farm animals
ICAR started out in livestock recording, but its identification and data standards matter far beyond that origin, shaping how modern pet identification and pedigree systems approach consistency and interoperability.
Is ICAR just about livestock and farming?
Its roots are in livestock recording, but its identification and data standards inform recording systems more broadly, including how companion animals get identified.
Who actually uses ICAR standards?
National recording bodies, breed associations and identification system developers reference ICAR standards to keep their own systems consistent and interoperable.