FAQ - Frequently asked questions

General
• What is an RFID tag and how does it work?
• How long does the tag last?
Installation
• Where do I get my tag installed?
• How/where should the chip be installed?
• Can I use the tag in ... ?
• Once I've installed the tag, how do I register?
• If I don't register my tag, will it stop working?
Loss and recovery
• How does the tag help if the item is lost or stolen?
• How does the tag help when many tack items look identical
• What do I do if my item is lost or stolen?
• What happens if my item is found?
Reading a tag
• How compatible are TackTrac tags with other readers?
• Where can I get my tag read?
Sales and pricing
• What if I sell my equipment, can I transfer the tag?
• How can I become a reseller of TackTrac tags?

RFID tags are small microchips (about the size of a grain of rice) that work by sending out a small encoded radio signal when in the proximity of RFID reader equipment. The RFID readers supply a small amount of elecromagnetic power which allows the tag to transmit a faint radio signal. The tag's signal contains the unique identification number encoded onto the chip during the manufacturing process. The reader device can then display this number to the user.

After you install your TackTrac RFID tag into your saddle or tack equipment, you register the number in our online database. This way, in the event your item is ever lost or stolen, you will have a record that can be used to uniquely identify your item if found. This can greatly accelerate the recovery process.

The tag has no moving parts and no battery. It is powered only when in the proximity of a reader (and powered by the reader). It is designed to last decades.

Each TackTrac kit contains tools for doing a self installation. The installation procedure is quick and usually only takes a few minutes. However, if you purchased your tag from a farrier, tack shop, stable, or saddle fitter, they may provide installation services on-site.

Regardless of whether you install the tag yourself, or if it is installed by a reseller, you must register the tag online yourself in order to be entered into the recovery database.

Download and view our installation instructions (PDF) for information on the preferred installation methods for both English and Western saddles.

Our installation instructions include the directions for installation into both english and western saddles, as well as a tack box. You may have other items that you wish to tag that aren't specifically mentioned. For other items you will need to determine for yourself an appropriate installation procedure.

Even though the technology used by TackTrac is the same as used by veterinarians worldwide, TackTrac tags are not handled in a medically sterile manner, nor do they come with the appropriate materials for live animal injection. Do not use TackTrac tags for subcutaneous injection in animals.

Registering your tag is done directly from this website. Use the appropriate link in the menu to the left.

The tag will respond to an RFID reader regardless of whether it has been registered. Registering your tag in the database creates a record that links you with that tag to use in the event your item is lost or stolen. Without registering, if your item is located and the tag is read, there will be no way to determine that the item in which it resides is a lost or stolen item.

The tag, combined with the TackTrac registry and recovery database provides law enforcement an idenfication number linked with your account. This provides evidence that the item in question belongs to you.

Each tag receives a unique identification number. Even if two items look identical, when read by the RFID scanner, each will return a unique code that can be used to identify the item.

The first thing you should to is contact your local law enforcement to start their investigation and obtain a police report. You can connect to the TackTrac database and alter the registration info for the tag that is in the item that is now missing. If you change its status to 'LOST/STOLEN', it will mark it in the database so that resellers can be on the lookout for items coming in for resale that match that tag id.

When searching tag IDs (such as a reseller would do when examining second hand equipment for sale) the search result will have an option to report the item as 'FOUND'. If an item is found, you may be contacted by TackTrac personnel to inform you what has happened. If your item is listed as 'LOST/STOLEN' you may wish to leave direct contact information so that you can be contacted directly.

TackTrac tags are based on the AVID Eurochip, the most cross-compatible RFID chip on the market. TackTrac tags can be read by both AVID and Destron scanners, these scanners are in use by veterinarians and others throughout the country. There are over 100,000 deployed compatible scanners, with more being deployed as we add resellers (who are each equipped with a scanner).

TackTrac tags can be read at any TackTrac reseller. In addition, our chips are compatible with the most commonly used scanners for pet and livestock tracking. If your vet (or another local one) has an Avid or Destron scanner, they will be able to read the TackTrac tags. Many local law enforcement agencies also have compatible scanners.

If you sell your equipment, you need to 'unregister' the tag in the TackTrac registry and recovery database. This will free the tag to be re-registered by the new owner. When you 'unregister' the tag in the database, it will generate a new 'unlock code' that you will need to provide to the new owner. They will need the tag number and the unlock code (which can be printed from the site when you 'unregister') in order to register the tag in their name.

There is a $5.00 charge to re-register the chip that will need to be paid by the new owner.

If you would like to become a reseller please contact us directly to receive a reseller information kit. If you are accepted into the reseller program you will need to purchase a Reseller Starter Kit which includes a tag reader and 10 tag kits. After your initial 10 tag kits, you can purchase additional tag kits at any quantity.