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 that many other systems are built upon
The International Committee for Animal Recording formulates standards for identification, performance recording and genetic evaluation, which numerous national and breed-specific systems make use of. It is not a widely known name, but its standards quietly form the basis of how animal recording is carried out across many countries.
Its scope extends well beyond farm animals
ICAR's origins lie in livestock recording, but its identification and data standards hold relevance well beyond that origin, informing how modern pet identification and pedigree systems approach consistency and interoperability.
Is ICAR relevant only to livestock and farming?
Its origins lie in livestock recording, but its identification and data standards inform recording systems more broadly, including approaches used in companion animal identification.
Who makes use of ICAR standards in practice?
National recording bodies, breed associations and identification system developers refer to ICAR standards in order to keep their own systems consistent and interoperable.