Chloe Standard is proud to work to help resolve many microchip issues. For those well versed in the extent of ongoing issues with microchips, a performing microchip "search engine" is just a start. What is more concerning is the lack of understanding, from the pet owner perspective, on what a pet owner must do to keep their pet safe.

We are committed to working to solve the whole problem, not just the database problem. Fixing the microchip database issue is just the tip of the iceberg.

During the recent 2009 Redwood City Pet Parade, Chloe Standard hosted a free microchip scanning booth and asked over 200 participating dog owners "Does your pet's microchip 'work'?" Shockingly, only 8 out of over 200 said that they had, in fact, tested the microchip in the past by having it test-scanned. The rest said with concern that they had never thought to check and could not say if the chip did 'work' or not. They were visibly shaken at the thought of not understanding more about how their pet's microchip worked. Furthermore, could not say which database their pet was registered with or if their current information was registered. Some owners encouraged a scan of their dog which they were sure didn't have a microchip, and 4 were found to have a microchip. Even, in 2 cases, the owner had the dog for over 5 years and never knew their dog had a microchip.

Due to their tiny size, microchips are often "out of sight, out of mind". The future campaign to reach out to pet owners will be combined with free community access to a microchip scanner.

If your pet has a microchip, ask yourself these questions:

*Does it scan properly?

*Am I, as the pet owner, indeed registered with the microchip database?

*Do I have my pet's microchip number and paperwork handy in case my pet becomes lost?

The issue of access to a universal microchip scanner is something to also be resolved. Say, for example, a pet owner would like to check their pet's microchip. The current options are limited to a trek to a local shelter (usually quite far and having a negative emotional context) or perhaps a trip to your local veterinarian (with adverse effects for socioeconomic concerns; however some vets will scan for free during a routine check-up).

After conducting a nationwide survey of over 1,000 pet owners, we've found that most pet owners do not know where their microchip paperwork is located (too excited to worry about filing paperwork after the adoption and now the adoption folder is perhaps lost or misplaced). Chloe Standard is devoting a large portion of our community outreach effort to providing materials and collateral to shelters. Getting the attention of a loving new pet owner during the time of adoption is going to be quite a challenge as their entire focus is devoted to playing and loving their new companion.

Chloe Standard is committed to always providing free services to pet owners, shelters and veterinarians. Soon, the Chloe Standard Foundation will be formed to further give back to the community and provide financial assistance to shelters and organizations.

For now, Chloe Standard, Inc. is working to build a microchip search engine to help reunite lost pets with their owners faster and easier. To learn more about their work including pending products and outreach programs, go to www.chloestandard.com and sign up to receive updates.

Why would anyone trust microchip companies that have knowingly and intentionally prevented all scanners from reading all microchip implants? These companies are dishonest. Chipped animals have been euthanized because of this problem. In addition, there are serious health, privacy, agricultural and even religious concerns associated with microchip implants. Btw, how many of you know that microchips are also being implanted in humans? Unfortunately this is not a joke. VeriChip Corporation received FDA approval in 2004 to implant microchips in humans. If you want to understand the big picture of microchip implants, visit the website that was created in memory of Leon the French bulldog -- http://www.noble-leon.com/resourcesLayman/microchips.html

Meghan RAHT: Maybe you chipped him;)  ---Ike is over 5 & it is right betwee the shoulder blades. I always forgot that he was chipped, so this year had him scanned. I thought it was an avid, but regardless the number came up!

Dr. Khuly- I haven't had any problems with migration so far.  I always try to implant them deep SQ- worst case they may migrate a little left or right of midline but I haven't ever had a problem scanning for them.  Most of the chipped pets that we xray (later, for an illness or injury) show their chip right where it should be :)

Barbara- thanks for the compliment! I think so too!  If we could just get the US to switch to ISO chips as the standard....  But I guess that might open the door for the metric system too ;)

My dog has had her Avid chip for 5 years now and it has not migrated. :)

Oh... Karl -

Thanks for explaining i want to try and hope that all of us and shelters can have something that works better, thats all, I guess my heart is on my sleeve and I get upset easily when pets are involved. You sound like a nice guy so sorry about calling you jelous. :( I don't know anything about computers but if I did I would absolutely help out if I could. I guess I just can "hope" like Obama. I guess I would rather say that they have decided to do since it sounds like maybe it isn't even possible. I sometimes forget (or chose not to admit) that those database companies care more about profit than helping animals!!!

I guess I feel hopeless and wish that something more could be done for our sweet animals. I DIDN'T KNOW ANIMALS WERE BEING KILLED THAT HAVE MICROCHIPS? THATS SO UPSETTING!!!! I am on their email list anyway and crosing my fingers (and my dog's and cats toes too!)

Courtney -

My point wasn't that the database is a good idea or a bad idea, it's that the implementation of it isn't a technical issue. It's an information-sharing issue. The different chip manufacturers regard their databases as an asset, and don't want to share that information. They don't want to share their chip specifications or encryption schemes so that it can be engineered into a new universal scanner. On top of that, if they don't want to license it (and god only knows where ChloeStandard will get the money to buy a license to manufacture a scanner that will read so many standards) and ChloeStandard reverse-engineers a reader that can decrypt certain chips, they will fall afoul of legislation in the US called the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, which allows manufacturers to protect their technology from reverse engineering.

Unless something changes that MAKES them share that information, then ChloeStandard will never, ever operate. They have a lofty goal, but haven't demonstrated an ability to reach that goal... technically OR logistically. When they demonstrate even a remote success, then they will have my full support. Until then, I won't waste my time thinking much about them.

I'm not hostile, I'm pointing out bluntly that there are serious problems with the company's goals and that they're making promises that they can't even begin to deliver on. It's a much more complicated issue than anyone seems willing to discuss.

Frankly, I'd rather have easy access to ear tattoing, but that's not a service any vets in my area offer.

As a rescue organization, we've started offering "Doggy ID Days" at a booth. We take pictures of the dog, make new tags, and we microchip and register the dog. We also throw in some fun things like taking paw prints and providing a framed version of the dog's ID picture on the spot, extras which allows us to justify the expensive parts of the service.

Canada has been far ahead of the US, with requirement of microchipping "all" purebred pups before registration--not just show prospects.

Finally, I had my Canadian-bred Scottie scanned with a universal scanner (because the clinic provides Home Again) & it hasn't moved at all. I know his registration for the chip has the breeder listed, but I believe mine was added upon Canadian registration.

He is one test short of CHIC registration, which requires permanent ID

As of 8/1/09 www.akc.org/regpledge is asking for compliance of 100% registration. A step in the direction of microchipping, perhaps.

wheatie Ike (r) visiting rescue Scottie Rocket (l)

Especially the first post from the techy guy, if you're so smart why haven't you tried to fix the database problem yourself?

Probably because ChloeStandard is - so far at least - too cheap to hire someone who actually knows what they're doing. And yes, that makes sense - programmers are well known for flying in and fixing random databases that they have nothing to do with. (eye rolling)

Also, the hostility seems mainly to be coming from you, Courtney. Or Chloe, whichever you prefer to be called. People have a right to be skeptical about a company that's holding itself up as beacon of hope in a field that can mean the difference between life and death for lost pets - and yet still aren't actually offering anything concrete.

Perhaps they should hold off on the press releases until they actually have something that's functional.

FrogDog Blog - a French Bulldog Breeder's Blog

I'm shocked at reading the replies to this new opportunity to help (I guess millions?) pets. If there is a company that can/will/is trying to help, then why all the hostility? Especially the first post from the techy guy, if you're so smart why haven't you tried to fix the database problem yourself? Or anyone else on here, who cares how this company will make money, if it helps, isn't that the point??

Why kill what seems like the ONLY OPPORTUNITY that exists? Those of us with pets that have microchips seriously need help.

I haven't heard of this company but it sounds like what they want to do is great and their heart is in the right place! Unlike all of your posts? I think that whatever help people can get their their microchips is a HUGE help. Honestly, when so many lives are at stake, what is your issue? Or better yet, why don't you want this company to help?

I work for a shelter and have first hand experience at trying to help lost pets with these database companies that seems like they don't even know what  they are doing themselves. If I can use this ChleStandardr "search engine" or whatever it is, that is already a huge help.

Really, I'm shocked that you are all behaving this way. Shame on you, if this works out, I hope you are all banished from this site forever for trying to kill soemthing that will help us all. (By the way, that Techy guy just sounds jelous! There. I said it.)

Just for what it's worth, many registries will allow you to register *any* manufacturer's chips (I'd be leery of one that didn't!).  I use AKC CAR, which even registers tattoos.  I think their current fee for lifetime registration with unlimited online updating of info $17.50.  I've moved several times since my dog was first chipped, and have never had trouble updating her information.

Also, keep in mind that you can register your pets' chips with multiple registries.  It's obviously pricy to do so, but until there is a universal registry, that might be something to consider.

Meghan: That's a fantastic price! I'm so comfortable with HomeAgain's lack of migration, though. I worry lots about this possibility considering how many AVID chips I see that have migrated. How about yours?

We charge $38 CDN for a chip+implantation+registration.  It's a great deal IMO.  We use M4SID.  I have always found them very helpful, even when the chip I am searching is not one of theirs- they even provide a chart to help vet clinics and shelters decipher the numbers and find the right company to call.  M4SID also doesn't charge any annual fee- just the one time fee and you can change your address/phone number anytime (no charge) using their free hotline or website. (BTW I do not work for this company, seriously ;)  Their chips cost approx $16 and we charge another $22 to implant and register them.  We don't mark the chip up at all which we could, but we keep chips affordable because we feel that they are important. 

YES, his face really is that crooked. In fact, I'm seeing the ophthalmologist on Tuesday to see if we need a surgery on his eyes. He still keeps getting this corneal swelling for no good reason. I treat it...it goes away. Then it comes back. How the hell am I supposed to place a dog like that? Slumdog is mine...so it seems.

I registered all my dogs microchips and always will. What annoyed me is that the last one I got had to be done through the snail mail as they changed their policies. You have to update info through mail to even as a current customer. What's up with that? I want to know my current info is ready to go as soon as possible just in case. They also have my accounts seperate and wanted an additional fee to clump them together. (a multiple pet fee) I declined as I thought that was pushing it. All my info is there, it is more about the inconvience of having to keep all their chip numbers available. (which isn't that hard anyhow) I use AVID.

I REALLY want to see one database for all chips. I hate the thought of having to rechip my dogs for any reason. I think once is quite enough. And what about people that move into an area where the shelters/vets use a different scanner?

I also really want to see an update and more photos of Slumdog. Is his face really that crooked? Poor guy! How lucky he landed with you.

Tail wags, Marie http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com

I suppose if you want to believe that the company is acting in our pets' best interests, they may be planning to eventually set themselves up as a nonprofit, depending on the response they get.   I think nonprofits can still sell certain things (like the ASPCA can sell t-shirts and coffee mugs, for example), so maybe they could get away with selling scanners.  If they are planning to go this route, though, I'm surprised they're not speaking up about it now, and aren't at least already registered as a nonprofit in some state, which is the first, easiest step towards getting federal tax exemption.

I'd much rather see them as a not-for-profit than a normal business, because I think they'd get more cooperation from the microchip companies that way.  All this said, it feels sort of doubtful that they're planning to go the nonprofit route, but it would explain their business model, and it makes sense with their business origins.

The truth is always wherever you find it

Throw back the curtain, see what's behind it

Look hard at life and the ties that bind it

Day after day we must be reminded

Ahh so Slum Dog is no longer a foster dog... wonderful!

We had the same problem with clients not registering the chip, so we ended up doing it for them (and charging for it, of course - we didn't mark up the registration fee, but obviously, the service of doing the registration was included in the fee for microchipping, but I can't recall what our mark up was). We didn't make it optional, and we still had very good compliance. (Practicing in a fairly affluent, semi-rural area).

Chris T: Don't they all look alike? LOL. 

ps: As a new pug-mix owner, all I can say is that mine looks like a platypus and a hobbit had a baby. 

Where did you get the pug picture? She looks identical to my pug!

Nancy: Great idea. But it's so hard to get my clients to register their chips in the first place. They forget. They need an explanation of why this is necessary. Sometimes they just don't want to spend an extra $25 to do it. We charge about $41 for a chip implantation. For another $41 I'd gladly take on registration detail. But it's a hard sell at that price-point. Wish all my clients were like you. *sigh*

We just had a Home Again rep come to our hospital.  I was suprised to find out that their new scanners will scan any chip ISO or otherwise and that no matter what company chip your pet was chipped with you can register your pets mircochip with them for a relatively small fee.  Their new ad includes "Call Home Again FIRST". 

Now all my pets who are chipped with Avid (my last employer's choice of chip) and my Home Again pets (current employer's choice of chip) are in one database. 

The only problem I see; getting ALL shelters, clinics, etc., to comply with calling them first or even eventually.

Karl: That must be why we keep you around. ;-) Thanks for the input. Missed the scanners. The concept of vaporware would elude me if someone didn't explain it. 

They're certainly building the buzz, though. I've gotten four emails about ChloeStandard over the past 24 hours. 

Oops. "So you'll know I never finish my thoughts before moving on to the next one. ;) "

I'm an IT / Computer / Web guy, for those in the audience. I also work a lot with animal rescue groups in my area.

Dr. K, you know my background, so you'll know

First, ChloeStandard is vaporware at this point. They're still trying to get the search engine working and probably haven't secured the participation of all companies. Much like vapor, a strong breeze will blow it away at this point.

Second, the technology behind it is absurdly simple. Their database is a single key/value pairing. I could write the "search engine" in about ten minutes.

Third, their revenue stream is probably going to be the universal scanners that they are advertising on their products page -- also vaporware at this point.

Looks like a company with lofty goals but zero buy-in so far... which means it's not a "going concern" yet at this point because they have no products and no income. Their website is even something that was put together in Photoshop and websliced out... it wasn't done by someone who knows HTML or web technology well.

Last but not least, I'd be happier if the company took the approach of having the number AND the agency that chipped it. One of the workarounds that we've discovered is that several of the local agencies that insert microchips have a certain range of chip numbers and brands, so we can easily figure out who to call BESIDES the chip maker. The inserting agency keeps records of which owner has which pet, and we've managed to get a lot of pets home that way even though the owner hadn't registered with the chip manufacturer's database.