Microchip & Registering is the next step in preventive care.

Horses that are microchipped are rehomed more responsibly

The Equine Rescue Network encourages responsible ownership through Microchipping!

The Equine Rescue Network (ERN) works to protect horses from at-risk scenarios including: slaughter, neglect, abandonment, natural disasters and theft.  If an at-risk horse scans ‘positive’ for a microchip, Animal Control Officers, rescuers and volunteers know to call the 24 Hour Hotline (800-434-2843).  ERN then gets involved to help manage the rescue/recovery of that horse.   Further, ERN has purchased and distributed scanners to individuals and volunteers who scan slaughter-bound and auction horses.

If a microchip is found, there is a 24 hour HOTLINE (800-434-2843).  If the horse has been registered, the Equine Rescue Network (ERN) begins a process to help that horse.  First, ERN notifies all emergency contacts numbers in the registry.  Next, ERN offers to provide temporary funding to hold the horse safe between 24 hours to 7 days, and helps coordinates transportation.  If the horse is at an auction, ERN will bid on the horse and purchase that horse for up to $325.  If the bidding exceeds $325, ERN will not purchase the horse because any horse that sells for over $325 is not considered at risk of slaughter.  However, ERN will notify the highest bidder (new owner) that the horse they purchased at auction is microchipped. We will suggest they contact ERN if they ever decide to sell the horse.

ERN will never provide personal contact information stored in our registry with individuals.   If an individual would like information or to contact previous owners, ERN will take their contact information and provide it to the previous owners.  That way, previous owners will retain their privacy, and decide if they want to reach out to current owners.

The Equine Rescue Network (ERN) did extensive research and learned that most microchip manufacturers offer registries designed for dogs and cats, but offer no value for horses. ERN looked at all the options (Avid, Datamar, Home Again, PetKey…). These registries were not designed with the specific needs of horse owners. It was explained to ERN that their profits come from dogs & cat owners, and it is just not profitable enough for them to cater to the needs of the horse industry.’ They had NO interest in designing a registry just for horses, and had NO interest in providing discounts for rescued horses.

SO we continued our search and were elated to find MicroChipIDSystems. They have maintained a registry exclusively for horses for 25 years. They welcomed ERN’s suggestions on how to modify and expand their database to accommodate the current needs of horse owners. In 2014, owners need immediate (and often MOBILE) access to relevant data on horses (coggins, health cert, registration papers, bill of sale, emergency contact information). Their data must be private, yet accessible to the Equine Rescue Network staff during a time of crisis.  MicrochipIDSystems responded by redesigning their registry based on input from ERN and horse owners.

In 2015, we will introduce an Equine Microchip Lookup tool that will allow individuals to file a LOST or FOUND Report with the Equine Rescue Network. No private information is given directly to anyone who files a report. Owners will get a notification (text, email, call) from ERN if there has been a report filed on their horse.

Finally, ERN was able to work with distributors to negotiate discounted prices for the Microchip Kit which includes a microchip and lifetime registration.  The price for ERN followers is $25.95 and further discounts for 501c3 Nonprofits ($20.95).