Thoroughbred owners and breeders can now order microchip scanners directly from Pet Travel through a link on Interactive Registration® at registry.jockeyclub.com.

The Datamars Compact Max Universal Scanner, which is manufactured by Datamars and marketed and distributed by Pet Travel, is available for $249.00.

In August 2015, The Jockey Club’s board of stewards voted to change certain provisions of the Principle Rules and Requirements of the American Stud Book and microchips will become a requirement for registration for foals of 2017 and later. This enables microchips to be phased in on a voluntary basis for foals of 2016 and enables breeders and owners to establish appropriate procedures with their vet and identifier and to acquire a microchip reader.

“Countries such as England, Ireland, France, South Africa, Australia and others have instituted microchips as a requirement for registration for several years now,” said Rick Bailey, registrar of The Jockey Club. “Identifiers at the various racetracks in North America have also reported the microchip to be reliable in confirming identity from the runners importing from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.”

Microchips are available upon request on a Live Foal Report for foals of 2016 and will be distributed for all foals of 2017. There is no increase to the registration fee for either foal crop.

When coupled with the review for written markings, the use of microchips improves the efficiency and reliability of the identification process for all Thoroughbreds, even for those who do not make it to the racetrack.

The Jockey Club recommends that microchips be implanted by a veterinarian or under the supervision of a veterinarian.

A comprehensive section of The Jockey Club Registry‘s website features an FAQ (frequently asked questions) pertaining to microchips. It is available at registry.jockeyclub.com/registry.cfm?page=dotRegistryHelpDeskMicroFAQ.

Owners, breeders and veterinarians are also welcome to contact The Jockey Club Registry with inquiries at (800) 444-8521 or inquiries@jockeyclub.com.

Pet Travel, which maintains a store and its corporate office in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was launched in 1986, and it provides an inventory of pet microchips, pet scanners, pet cargo crates, and in-cabin carriers.

Datamars is a leading global supplier of high-performance unique-identification solutions, specializing in RFID technology for international companion animal and livestock identification customers.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club, directly or through subsidiaries, provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms. It is the sole funding source for America’s Best Racing, the broad-based fan development initiative for Thoroughbred racing. You can follow America’s Best Racing at americasbestracing.net. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.