Owners are being informed that beginning January 1, 2013, all horses entering the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) system for the first time must be microchipped as per FEI regulations. This includes FEI Passports, FEI Recognition Cards and FEI Registrations.
The microchip must be compatible with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785, and all microchip information must be entered in the horse’s Equine Canada or FEI passport and reported to Equine Canada. This requirement does not apply to horses that are already in the FEI system.
The standard microchip number consists of 15 digits, the first three identify the manufacturer or country code, and the remaining numbers are unique and non-duplicated. The technical concept of animal identification described is based on the principle of radio-frequency identification (RFID). These numbers represent the unique identifier that will be associated with a specific horse from date of implant, until the animal’s death.
We urge you to check with your veterinarian on how to get a microchip for your horse. ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 compliant microchips are commonly available.
Equine Canada also recommends that all horses be scanned for possible pre-existing microchips as a precautionary measure.
If you have questions, please email inquiries@equinecanada.ca or call 1 866 282 8395 for assistance.
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