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Frequently Asked Questions

For Pet Owners
Questions About Microchipping Pets
Questions About Enrolling in AKC CAR Recovery Service
Questions About My AKC CAR Enrollment Account

For Professionals
Questions About Using AKC CAR Microchips
Questions About the Free Microchip Program
Questions About the PINcentive Program
Questions About Microchips with Prepaid Enrollments

For Pet Owners
Questions About Microchipping Pets

What is a microchip?
About the size of a grain of rice, each microchip has a unique ID number, to positively and permanently identify your pet. The microchip does not have a battery/energy source. The microchip can only be activated momentarily when a microchip scanner is used to pick up your pets unique microchip number.

How long will the microchip last?
The microchip will last for the life of the pet.

Where is the microchip implanted?
For most animals (dogs, cats) the chip is implanted in the scruff of the neck (the loose skin between the animal's shoulder blades). Consult your veterinarian for exotic or other pets.

Can the microchip be easily removed?
No, a microchip can only be surgically removed by a veterinarian.

How do I enroll my pet’s microchip?
There are several ways to enroll.

What is the frequency of the AKC CAR microchips?
AKC CAR gives you two options, a 128kHz microchip and a 134.2kHz (ISO) microchip.

I have an AKC CAR microchip, but my vet cannot detect it with her scanner.

What scanners can read ISO microchips?
Bayer IMAX, HomeAgain Worldscan (if purchased or upgraded after 2007), AKC CAR ProScan700. Most AVID scanners cannot read ISO microchips.

What scanners can read 128 kHz microchips?
Bayer IMAX, HomeAgain Worldscan (if purchased or upgraded after 2007), AKC CAR ProScan700, AKC CAR Pocket Scanner. Most AVID scanners cannot read 128 kHz microchips.

Can I use microchips to satisfy AKC requirements for identification?
Yes. If you have more than twenty dogs over six months of age and are using microchips as the sole means of identification, you will be required to have a scanner on the premises. You can purchase a scanner by calling 1-800-252-7894.

If you also use some other means of identification such as a collar tags or tattoos, you do not need to keep a scanner on the premises. To accept test results from health registries such as OFA and CERF, AKC requires that the dog have a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip, at the time of testing.

Questions About Enrolling in AKC CAR Recovery Service

Why do I need to enroll in a recovery service?
A microchip is simply a unique ID number that is implanted in your pet. Without enrolling your pet in a recovery service, no one will know that the pet is yours or how to contact you if your pet gets lost.

How do I enroll?
There are several ways to enroll:
To enroll your pet in real time with AKC CAR's online enrollment system click here.
To download our enrollment form and mail it in, click here.
  AKC Companion Animal Recovery
  8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 200
  Raleigh, NC 27617-3900
Call AKC CAR at 1-800-252-7894 and we will mail/fax/email our enrollment form to you.
You can fax the form with credit card payment to AKC CAR at 919-233-1290.

There are other recovery services. Why should I choose AKC CAR?
There are no annual fees or charges to update your contact information. Our recovery experts are available 24/7/365 to help you be reunited with your lost pet and available via phone, email or fax. Also, AKC CAR is proud to participate in the AAHA Pet Microchip Lookup Tool. This is a central portal for anyone to find out in real time if they should contact AKC CAR if your pet is found.

What is included with AKC CAR enrollment?
AKC CAR enrollment gives your pet lifetime enrollment in the AKC CAR Recovery Service. There are no annual fees. You may (and are encouraged to) update your contact information online at any time, free of charge. A collar tag with your pet’s microchip ID and the AKC CAR toll free phone number is also included.

When will I receive my collar tag?
Please allow up to four weeks to receive your custom collar tag with your pet’s unique identification number. Please call 800-252-7894 if you have not received your collar tag within four weeks.

What happens when my pet is found?
When your pet's identification number is called in to the recovery hotline, AKC CAR will immediately call you. If you are not home, we will try to reach your alternate contact. This is why it is very important that you keep AKC CAR updated of any contact changes. You can update your pet's record any time by going online or sending updates to found@akccar.org. AKC CAR's 24-hour recovery hotline is listed on all AKC CAR– issued collar tags.

Do you charge annual fees?
No. Your pet is enrolled for its lifetime with AKC CAR.

Do you charge record update fees?
No. If your pet has been found, the information you provide is our only means of contacting you. You can make unlimited free updates, including phone number and address changes. Even if you go on a short vacation with your pet, please give us a call and we will note your temporary address and phone number.

Do you offer emergency assistance?
AKC CAR offers a lifetime subscription to the Pet Poison Helpline™ for a one time charge of $19.95. It is an optional service that covers your pet for life. With your subscription, your pet has access to the Pet Poison Helpline for any suspected pet poisoning. The Pet Poison Helpline will also work with your vet to assist in the potential poisoning emergency. Normally, one would pay the Pet Poison Helpline $35 per incident for their emergency veterinary and toxicology resources.

Questions About My AKC CAR Enrollment Account

It is critical that you inform us immediately of any changes to owner information. If your pet has been found, the information you provide is our only means of contacting you.

You can make unlimited free updates, including phone number and address changes. Even if you go on a short vacation with your pet, please give us a call and we will note your temporary address and phone number.

How do I update my contact information online?

  1. Go to www.akccar.org
  2. Click “Update Records”
  3. Click the “Create New Account” link
  4. Follow the directions to create your account profile in the “Online Records System Account Information”
  5. Keep your password in a secure place.
  6. After you have set up your new account, you will receive an email message confirming the account and an email message every time a change is made.

Once your account is set up, you can create and modify your pet’s profile

  1. Go to www.akccar.org
  2. Click “Update Records”
  3. Enter your email address and password
  4. On the second part of the form, “Account Enrollments”, click the “add” button at the top right
  5. Enter you pet’s ID number, your last name and your zip code
  6. Every time you open your record, your pet’s file will be there

How do I update or change my pet's record by fax, mail, or email?
You can fax us your record changes to 919-233-1290 or mail your changes to 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27617-3900. You can also send updates to found@akccar.org.

Is there a fee to update my contact information?
There is no fee to update your contact information. AKC CAR requests that you make these changes online or via email (found@akccar.org) or fax (919-233-1290) so that we can keep our phone lines open to assist in the recovery of lost pets.

How is my privacy protected?
AKC CAR takes your privacy seriously. The AKC CAR database employs sophisticated multi-layered data and network security methods that ensure strict confidentiality of your contact information. During the recovery process, AKC CAR makes every effort to contact you and/or your alternate contacts to find you, rather than providing your contact information to the person or organization who found your pet. In the event that AKC CAR cannot contact you and/or your alternate contacts, AKC CAR may provide information to the person or organization who found your pet to aid in reuniting pets with their owners.

AKC CAR will not sell your contact information. For marketing purposes, AKC CAR may share your information with preferred associates so that you can receive special offers relating to your pet. You may opt out of receiving these offers during the enrollment process and update these preferences online at any time.

Do I have to renew my pet's enrollment?
No, the one-time enrollment fee covers the life of your pet.

How do I transfer ownership of my pet?
Download a transfer form by clicking here and mail it to:
  8051 Arco Corporate Drive
  Suite 200
  Raleigh, NC 27617-3900

Can I order a new collar tag for my microchipped pet?
Yes, if you have already enrolled with AKC CAR, you may order replacement tags online. Choose from stainless steel with AKC logo, blue outdoor acrylic with AKC logo, or highly-visible yellow acrylic collar tags. Click here to order.

What is AKC CAR's enrollment fee refund policy?
Application fees are generally not refundable. Any potential refunds to be paid are subject to a processing fee.

For Professionals
Questions About Using AKC CAR Microchips

What is the frequency of the AKC CAR microchips?
AKC CAR gives you two options, a 128kHz microchip and a 134.2kHz (ISO) microchip.

Why would I order 128kHz microchips?
128 kHz microchips fall within the US microchipping protocol established in 1995.

Why would I order ISO microchips?
ISO microchips are the international standard of microchips. If a pet is going to travel abroad, this frequency is read by most international ports of call/customs agencies.

What scanners can read ISO microchips?
Bayer IMAX, HomeAgain Worldscan (if purchased or upgraded after 2007), AKC CAR ProScan700. Most AVID scanners cannot read ISO microchips.

What scanners can read 128 kHz microchips?
Bayer IMAX, HomeAgain Worldscan (if purchased or upgraded after 2007), AKC CAR ProScan700, AKC CAR Pocket Scanner. Most AVID scanners cannot read 128 kHz microchips.

I like using your ImplantGauge/DUO microchip, but it is not available in ISO.
You can purchase ImplantGauge retractors and use them with the ISO microchips. Simply remove the disposable butterfly pusher from the ISO chip.

I have an AKC CAR microchip, but I cannot detect it with my scanner.

Questions About the Free Microchip Program

What happens to my points from the old program?
Your points automatically roll over into the new program.

What about prepaid chips that I bought prior to January 15, 2010 that are eligible for points?
You will be credited points for any chips not enrolled from your last order.

What about prepaid microchips from previous orders that have not been enrolled?
This is a program change. Unfortunately the terms of the prior program have been discontinued.

Are prepaid chips eligible for points?
Only the last order of prepaid chips placed prior to January 15, 2010 are eligible for points.

What if I have been purchasing 20-count boxes of microchips, but want a 25-count box, and don’t have enough points?
You can redeem your 20 points and pay $50 to receive a 25 count box of microchips.

How do I track my points?
AKC CAR will send you a notification when you reach the minimum thresh-hold to redeem points for free product.

What can I earn with my points?
You can redeem your points as follows:

I have points, but want prepaid chips.
Your points can be redeemed for microchips and you can pay $9.95 to upgrade the chips to prepaid microchips.

What happens after I use up all my points and I want prepaid microchips?
You simply purchase prepaid microchips. Instead of earning points for free microchips, you receive discounted microchips with the prepaid enrollment included. Compared to 2009, we have discounted pre-paid microchips from $19.95 to $15.50, a $4.45 savings per microchip (price change is for 20- and 25- count boxes of microchips).

Why can’t I get points for prepaid microchips?
Because you are receiving the microchip and enrollment at a deep discount. Prepaid microchips are an incredible value and incredibly convenient.

Why would I be interested in the Free Chip Program?
The Free Chip Program is ideal for an organization looking to lower its up-front costs. After a minimal investment you will not need to pay for microchips going forward as long as you ensure every microchip is enrolled.

How do I get points for microchips when another person is enrolling the microchip?
When you buy a microchip, it is pre-registered to you. When a microchip that is pre-registered to you is enrolled, you get a point.

How do I get in the Free Chip Program?
You are automatically a part of the Free Chip Program. Any paid enrollment that we can track back to you earns you a credit.

How do you track points back to me?
The AKC CAR microchips that you purchase that are pre-registered to you. When a paid standard enrollment fee is received, you earn a point.

Can I combine points with another AKC Client?
No. You cannot combine points with other clients’ balances.

Can I transfer my points?
No. You cannot transfer points to another clients’ balance.

Do my points expire?
No. Your points do not expire.

What if I have other brands of microchips in stock? Can I earn Free Chips with other brands of microchips?
Yes, but you must first enroll in the PINcentive program. When you enroll, you will be assigned a special PINcentive id number and will be provided with an enrollment form with your unique PINcentive id on it. All enrollments that we receive with your PINcentive id will earn you a point. You can also enroll microchips online with your PINcentive code at www.akccar.org/pincentive.

Questions About the PINcentive Program

What do I get if I enroll microchips through PINcentive?
For every microchip enrolled in AKC CAR’s Recovery Service, you earn a point for the Free Chip Program. You also earn a rebate, paid quarterly, for every non-AKC CAR microchip enrolled. To earn these incentives, your PINcentive ID must accompany the enrollment. Enroll today at www.akccar.org/pincentive.

What if I forget to put my PINcentve ID on the enrollment?
Unfortunately, you will forfeit the incentive. Be sure to use the special form provided to you, or input your enrollments online.

What is the PINcentive rebate?
You earn a $2 rebate for every non-AKC CAR microchip enrolled via our paper enrollment form ($19.95 enrollment charge) or when enrolled online ($17.50 enrollment charge). These enrollments must be received with your PINcentive ID to earn a rebate. Rebates are paid quarterly.

What happens if I enroll an AKC CAR microchip with my PINcentive ID?
You will receive a point to use toward the Free Chip Program. No enrollment rebate is earned.

Do transfers earn a PINcentive rebate?
No. Only initial enrollments earn a PINcentive rebate.

Why don’t I earn a rebate on AKC CAR microchips?
AKC CAR microchips are sold at an incredible value and cannot earn a rebate when enrolled.

Questions About Microchips with Prepaid Enrollments

What is a pre-paid microchip?
A prepaid microchip is a microchip that is purchased with the enrollment fee included. The pet owner pays nothing to enroll the microchip in AKC CAR’s lifetime recovery service.

Why can’t I get points for prepaid microchips?
Because you are receiving the microchip and enrollment at a deep discount. Prepaid microchips are an incredible value and incredibly convenient.