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Pet microchip and travel

Microchip dog rules to follow

Since 2016, it’s been the law for all dogs to have a microchip. Losing a dog, perhaps on a walk or if it’s stolen, is devastating for you, the owner.

Name collars and tags are all well and good, but these can fall off or be removed. However, a microchip, which is the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the skin and remains in place for a lifetime.

If your dog is found, a pet microchip scanner at a vet practice or animal shelter reveals your pet’s details via a unique 15-digit code. They will then contact you for an emotional reunion. Ensure your contact details are kept up to date on the database.

We also pet microchip cats and rabbits, though it’s not a legal requirement.

The pet microchip is placed under the skin, between the shoulder blades, by a qualified veterinary nurse or vet. It holds lots of information that will prove invaluable in an emergency:

  • Your full name, address and telephone numbers
  • A unique ID number for your pet
  • The animal’s name, gender, breed, date of birth and colour
  • Details of the breeder’s licence (if this applies)

Contact our Ipswich vets team for more information about pet microchipping.

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Pet passport

Travel to the EU post Brexit

Dogs, cats and ferrets now require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for travel.
AHCs have to be completed within 10 days of travel. You need a new AHC for every trip you make. You will need to make an appointment for this.

Microchips are still required for AHCs.

Rabies vaccinations are still required and must be in date. If your rabies vaccine has lapsed, a booster may be given but you cannot travel for 21 days after this vaccination.

You (the owner) must sign a declaration that the animal is over 16 weeks of age, rabies vaccinated and not travelling for the purpose of being sold to new owners.

You are still required to see a vet before re-entry to the UK for tapeworm treatment before travel.

AHCs last 4 months and allow re-entry to the UK. After 4 months, if you have not travelled back to the UK, you must apply for a pet passport in whichever country you are in.