Bringing your dog on your next trip – especially to the EU – means that you need to have the right paperwork and the right immunizations. One thing many pet owners don’t realize is that you’ll need to have your pet chipped with an internationally recognized pet microchip. The ISO international microchip has become standard throughout most of the world and the United States so it’ll be handy wherever you take your pet.
Older microchips in the US are alpha-numeric combinations that are encrypted and cannot be read other places globally so the 15 digit ISO international microchip is not only needed for travel but great should you ever need it to help locate your dog in the US or throughout the world. There are several brands of microchips that can work but we have used Homeagain and it worked great!
Here’s the 5 Easy Steps for International Microchip Travel Compliance
- When you call your vet to make an appointment for your travel paperwork, have them check which microchip is in their system.You can also check your own records to verify. If you have changed veterinarians since getting your pet microchipped, bring your pet microchip paperwork to the travel appointment. They will need it to file travel papers with the government.
- When your dog is at their travel appointment, ask your veterinarian to scan your pet to make sure it matches records and that it hasn’t migrated or moved (a VERY rare occurrence)
- Get a copy of their chip record paperwork if you can’t locate yours.
- Pack a copy of the chip paperwork and keep it in a folder along with our PET TRAVEL CHECKLIST with their travel documents.
- Show your paperwork when you check yourself and your pet into your flight. Keep ALL of your pet paperwork with you on the plane when you fly at all times
For more information check out our frequently asked questions below!
Pet Microchip FAQs
- How do I know that my pet has the right chip?
International Pet chips will have 15 digit numbers only. Older US based chips are combination of letters and numbers are are NOT considered eligible for chip requirement for international travel
- How do I know if my pet’s chip is the International Chip?
When your pet was chipped you should have received paperwork on the chip for your records. Check your paperwork to see if it’s the 15 digit number. If you can’t find the paperwork, you can call your vet and ask them to look in their files. If you’ve changed your vet or the paperwork can’t be located, take your pet into the vet to scan the chip. Scanning the chip will help you know for sure!
- Where do I get the International Pet Chip?
Call your local vet and ask for the 15 digit international chip. Most veterinarians offices use this chip now but you’ll want to make sure to verify first!
- What if my pet has the wrong chip (US based chip)?
You’ll need to have the International chip inserted. Your pet can have two chips with no issue and the US chip can stay embedded in your pet.
- How much does the International Pet chip cost?
On average, getting your pet microchipped will cost between $50-$60 depending on your vet. Registering your chip and paperwork should always be free!
- Will I need my microchip paperwork with me when I travel?
Yes! You will need to have a copy of the microchip paperwork with you when you travel along with your rabies vaccination record and pet passport or certificate of health. It’s also smart to have a picture of it on your phone when you travel.
- Can puppies get chipped? Do cats need microchips too?
All animals flying internationally need chips. Microchips are safe for cats, dogs, and puppies.