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 other systems are built on
The International Committee for Animal Recording draws up standards for identification, performance recording and genetic evaluation that a great many national and breed-specific systems rely on. It isn't a household name, but its standards quietly underpin how animal recording works in countries right across the world.
Its remit stretches well beyond farm animals
ICAR began life in livestock recording, yet its identification and data standards carry weight far beyond that starting point, shaping how modern pet identification and pedigree systems think about consistency and interoperability.
Is ICAR only relevant to livestock and farming?
Its roots lie in livestock recording, but its identification and data standards inform recording systems much more widely, including approaches used in companion animal identification.
Who actually uses ICAR standards?
National recording bodies, breed associations and identification system developers refer to ICAR standards to keep their own systems consistent and interoperable with one another.