would an OTTB be microchipped before heading overseas?

[Kottbulle]

I have a lovely OTTB I adopted thru CANTER Michigan. He was bred in KY, but started his racing career in Ireland. He is now happily making the transition to HJ. I believe this year is the year USEF starts requiring microchips for all horses competing at rated shows, and we may try a few low key A shows in our area.
Would there be a possibility that he was microchipped before he went to Ireland? I plan on having the vet try to scan him when he comes to do his Coggins, but don’t want to look like a complete idiot and be searching for something that isn’t even there. He was born in 2007, and so i assume went to Ireland sometime in 2008-2009?
Thanks.

[mehile]

While it’s possible, I’d say it’s unlikely. Have the vet check as it never hurts to be sure but I think micro chipping is a very recent thing for the JC. When I registered my 2016 colt (if I remember correctly ) they sent his chip but it was still optional and would change to required for 2017 foals and onward. I don’t know when they started with the optional microchips.

[Kottbulle]

@mehile

While it’s possible, I’d say it’s unlikely. Have the vet check as it never hurts to be sure but I think micro chipping is a very recent thing for the JC. When I registered my 2016 colt (if I remember correctly ) they sent his chip but it was still optional and would change to required for 2017 foals and onward. I don’t know when they started with the optional microchips.

Thanks! I will have the vet check then. I would hate to have it done twice and not be necessary.

[rememberthenight]

Before a vet implants a new microchip… they are supposed to spend the 1-2 minutes it may take to scan to make sure one is not already implanted. Rather important in fact!!!

[Kottbulle]

@rememberthenight

Before a vet implants a new microchip… they are supposed to spend the 1-2 minutes it may take to scan to make sure one is not already implanted. Rather important in fact!!!

That’s what i was assuming just was wondering if we should be really looking for one or not.

[K_2]

I believe Ireland has required microchips in order to race for much longer than North America, so if he raced in Ireland he may be chipped already.

[danceronice]

@K~2

I believe Ireland has required microchips in order to race for much longer than North America, so if he raced in Ireland he may be chipped already.

This. And starting with last year’s crop, all JC registered Thoroughbreds in the US will be chipped.

[Kottbulle]

Thanks everyone for the comments. Got in touch with CanterMI and they said as far as they know he is NOT microchipped… But due to his racing in Ireland I am going to have the vet do a good check.

[Kottbulle]

Thought I would let everyone know that he does in fact have a Microchip! It came up right away, but it was on the right side of his neck, and apparently the US chips on the left. So kind of stoked that I don’t have to pay for a new one. LOL. And glad it was easy to find, the Vet was using a very new chip reader as well.
Glad I had him check!

[Gestalt]

That is very interesting, and good to know. Thanks for reporting back!