Veterinarian scanning a large white dog with a microchip reader to verify pet identification.

Understanding AVID Microchips: What You Need to Know (Especially for International Pet Travel)

Published on September 24, 2025

Last updated:

What Is an AVID Microchip?

An AVID microchip is a small computer chip implanted under a pet’s skin (typically between the shoulder blades). It carries a unique identification number which can be read by scanners and is used as a form of permanent identification throughout your pet’s life. 

While AVID is a well-established brand in the U.S., not every AVID chip is the same. Some versions are compatible with international standards while others are not. This distinction is critical for pet parents planning to relocate abroad.

cropped view of veterinarian making microchipping procedure to black cat on grey background

ISO Standards and Why They Matter

When traveling internationally, most countries require pets to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. These ISO chips operate at 134.2 kHz and use a standardized format that can be read by universal scanners worldwide.

Benefits of ISO-compliant chips include:

  • Global readability – customs, vets, and shelters abroad can scan them
  • Less travel risk – avoids re-chipping or delays at entry
  • Future-proofing – as countries tighten regulations, ISO chips remain the global standard

Are AVID Microchips ISO Compatible?

Short answer: Some are, some aren’t.

  • AVID Standard 9-digit chips: These are not ISO-compatible and may not be accepted in many countries as they use their own encoding and frequency structure.
  • AVID Euro / ISO chips: These are designed to comply with ISO standards (usually 10-digits) and can usually be read by international scanners.

Not all “AVID microchips” are created equal: if someone merely says “AVID microchip,” you must clarify the specific AVID variant to determine compatibility.

Because of this mixture of compatibilities, confusion often arises among pet owners, customs agents, and veterinarians.

One complicating factor: some countries have unique rules. For example, Hong Kong allows entry with an ISO-compatible microchip, but then requires dogs to be registered locally and implanted with a government-issued 9-digit AVID microchip upon arrival.

So, compatibility doesn’t always guarantee smooth entry. Always check country-specific rules.

Why ISO Compatibility Is Important for Pet Travel

Even if your destination country doesn’t explicitly demand ISO, using an ISO-compatible microchip carries several advantages:

  1. Universal scanner readability: Many customs, veterinary, and municipal scanners outside the U.S. expect ISO chips. Non-ISO chips risk being unreadable and causing delays or re-scanning.
  2. Fewer delays: If your chip can’t be read, authorities may require you to bring a scanner, re-implant a chip, or risk quarantine.
  3. Future-proofing: As more countries adopt stricter standards, ISO chips are safer in the long run.
  4. Pet recovery and reunification: If your pet becomes lost, shelters and vets abroad are more likely to have ISO-compatible scanners. This improves your odds of recovery.

Country & Region-Specific Notes (with AVID in Mind)

European Union / UK

  • Requirement: ISO 15-digit microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.

  • Implication for AVID users: AVID Standard 9-digit chips may not qualify; AVID Euro/ISO variants are acceptable.

Hong Kong

  • Requirement: Dogs must be implanted with an AVID Standard chip, even if they arrive with an ISO chip.

  • Implication for AVID users: Pets arriving with ISO/Euro chips may be re-chipped to AVID Standard upon arrival.

Australia / New Zealand

  • Requirement: ISO-compatible microchips required; the chip must be readable by the scanner at import.

  • Implication for AVID users: 9-digit chips or numbers starting with 999 are not acceptable; ISO variant recommended.

Japan

  • Requirement: ISO microchip must be implanted before the first required rabies shot.

  • Implication for AVID users: AVID Standard chips implanted after vaccination may be rejected.

Because rules change, always verify the current import regulations of your destination country and any transit countries.

What Should AVID Microchip Owners Do?

If your pet already has an AVID microchip or you are considering one, here are best practices:

  1. Determine which AVID variant you have: Ask your vet to scan the chip and check the numeric format (9-digit AVID, 10-digit Euro, or full ISO).
  2. If non-ISO, consider adding an ISO chip: Many pet owners implant a second ISO-compatible microchip (while retaining the existing one). This dual-chip approach is legally and technically permissible in many places.
  3. Update all paperwork and registration: Register all microchip numbers with your database, so authorities can cross-check.
  4. Carry a universal scanner (if possible): In rare cases where the microchip is unreadable, bringing a scanner (or having one accompany the pet) can avert delays.
  5. Check up-to-date country requirements: Microchip rules evolve, always consult recent sources or professional pet relocation services.
  6. Have a contingency plan: Be prepared for possible re-implantation or quarantine if the chip is unreadable at entry.

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