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 many other systems build on
The International Committee for Animal Recording draws up standards for identification, performance recording and genetic evaluation that a wide range of national and breed-specific systems rely on. It's not a name most people would recognise, but its standards quietly underpin how animal recording works across many countries.
Its scope extends well beyond farm animals
ICAR started out in livestock recording, but its identification and data standards carry relevance far beyond that, shaping how modern pet identification and pedigree systems handle consistency and interoperability.
Is ICAR only relevant to livestock and farming?
Its roots are in livestock recording, but its identification and data standards inform recording systems much more broadly, including how companion animals are identified.
Who makes use of ICAR standards?
National recording bodies, breed associations and identification system developers reference ICAR standards to keep their own systems consistent and interoperable.