Should I microchip my rabbit and how is it done?

Microchipping a rabbit with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip is the first step for international travel and essential for permanent identification if your rabbit is lost or confiscated — the procedure takes seconds and causes minimal discomfort.

What a microchip is and how it works
A passive RFID transponder (the size of a grain of rice) is implanted under the skin. It has no battery and emits no signal until activated by a scanner held within a few centimeters. When scanned, it transmits a 15-digit ISO number that links to the owner's registration in a database.

ISO 11784 vs. ISO 11785
ISO 11784 defines the code structure of the number. ISO 11785 defines the technical standard for reading. Both standards together ensure the chip can be read by any compatible scanner worldwide. When booking, always confirm the vet uses an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip (also called an FDX-B chip).

The procedure
A needle is used to implant the chip subcutaneously — typically between the shoulder blades or at the base of the neck in rabbits. No anesthesia is required for healthy adult rabbits. Younger rabbits or very small breeds may be more sensitive; a treat or gentle scruffing is usually sufficient.

Best age for microchipping
From 8 weeks of age onward. Many breeders microchip before sale. If you adopted a rabbit, check for an existing chip at the vet before implanting a second one.

Registering the chip in Italy
After implantation, register the chip number in the Italian national database. Your vet can assist with this. For travel, ensure the number is also registered in a European database (e.g., Pet Index, EUROPETNET) for cross-border recognition.

If the chip migrates
Rabbit chips occasionally migrate from the implantation site toward the flank or lower neck. Vets scan the full body, not just the scruff — alert the vet that migration is possible. A migrated chip is still readable and valid.

Register your rabbit's microchip number in Flovvi along with their photos, vet details, and health records. If your rabbit is ever lost, their complete profile is ready to share in one tap.