Does my pet need a microchip for travel?

Travelling with your pet internationally can be a wonderful experience. However, it’s important to make sure that you have all of the necessary preparations in place before embarking on your journey.

One of the key considerations for pet travel is whether or not your pet needs to be microchipped.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why microchipping is often required for international pet travel and how it can benefit you and your furry friend.

What is a microchip for pets?

Firstly, it’s important to understand what a microchip is and how it works. A microchip is a small, electronic device that is implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that can be read using a specialised scanner. 

When your pet is microchipped, you will need to register the device with a database that includes your contact information. This way, if your pet is lost or stolen, their chip can be scanned and they can be reunited with you.

The primary reason for this is to ensure that your pet can be identified and returned to you if they become lost or separated from you while travelling. 

Is it illegal to travel from the UK without a microchip?

Many countries have strict regulations in place to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites, and having a microchip can help to confirm your pet’s identity and ensure that they have been properly vaccinated.

As a pet owner, you must be aware that it is a legal requirement for dogs, cats, and ferrets to be microchipped when travelling internationally from the UK. This is because the UK is part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which allows pets to travel within the EU and certain other countries without the need for quarantine, provided they meet certain requirements, including microchipping.

Under the Pet Travel Scheme, pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO-compliant chip, which can be scanned by any reader. The microchip must be implanted before the pet is vaccinated against rabies, and the ID number must be recorded on the pet’s official veterinary health certificate. This certificate must also confirm that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies and is fit to travel.

It’s important to note that the microchip must be registered to the owner’s contact details on an approved database, such as Petlog or Animal Tracker, before travel. Failure to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme requirements can result in your pet being quarantined, refused entry, or even put down.

So, if you’re planning to travel internationally from the UK with your pet, it’s essential that they are microchipped and that you have all the necessary documentation to avoid any problems at the border.

What are the additional benefits of microchipping your pet?

Another benefit of microchipping your pet for international travel is that it can help to speed up the customs and immigration process. When you arrive at your destination, your pet may be required to go through a veterinary inspection, and having a chip can help to confirm your pet’s identity and streamline the process.

Finally, microchipping your pet is a simple and relatively inexpensive procedure that can provide you with peace of mind when travelling. It’s a small investment that can pay off in a big way if your pet is ever lost or stolen. 

And, as more and more countries require microchipping for pet travel, it’s becoming an increasingly important consideration for pet owners who want to take their furry friends with them on their adventures.

While the regulations around pet travel can seem daunting, chipping your pet is a simple and effective way to ensure that you and your furry friend have a safe and stress-free journey. 

Not only does it help to confirm your pet’s identity and vaccination status, but it can also streamline the customs and immigration process and provide you with peace of mind. So, if you’re planning to travel abroad with your pet, make sure to consider microchipping as an important part of your preparations.

How can European Pet Travel Help?

Travelling abroad with your pet can be a stressful experience, but with European Pet travel services, it can be made simple and stress-free. With experienced drivers and DEFRA-standard vehicles, you can rest assured that you and your pet will be in good hands. For more information get in touch here.