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Public commenter urges caution on scanning animal microchips to avoid exposing private data
Summary
A member of the public asked the board to advise veterinarians and clinics that scanning a pet microchip during an exam may lead to disclosure of owners’ confidential data and recommended care in handling identifying information.
During the public comment period, Bonnie Lutz told the board she had received inquiries from pet owners and veterinarians asking whether routine microchip scanning should be part of the physical examination. Lutz said she had seen misinformation and worried that the scanning process could inadvertently disclose confidential information if staff tried to locate owners beyond what was required to reunite an animal with its owner. She asked the board to consider messaging that scanning is permissible but staff should be careful handling identifying data.
A board member acknowledged the concern and thanked Lutz for raising the issue, saying the board would note the request for guidance.
