Pet Microchip

 

Name: Olya
Number of Pets: 3
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Persian, Scottish Straight
From: Thailand
To: Cambodia

I'm not exactly moving but I'm going to Cambodia for a week and I want to take my kittens with me. I read on the website all the rules for bringing pets to Cambodia. I got a microchip and everything else. The problem starts when it says they need to be vaccinated for rabies 30 days before. But my kittens are still to young to be vaccinated for rabies. Which puts me in front of the question what do I do? And is it possible for me to take them?

Thanks,

Olya

 

Hi Olya,

Thanks for contacting us with your pet travel question. Honestly we usually recommend that you leave your pets at home if you'll only be gone for such a short time. Especially with such young cats (we also recommend that pets be at least three to four months old before they travel anywhere), it's in their best interest to remain in the care of a trusted pet sitter.

If you do decide to go forward with the trip it would be best to talk to your vet about your options and double check with the Cambodian officials about any possible exceptions.

Please contact us if you have any  more questions, and good luck with everything!

 

 

The following guest post was written by Stacy Kowalchuk. Stacy is a dog owner and pet blogger at Trupanion pet insurance. She has been writing pet-related blogs, tips, and articles for over 3 years and has owned dogs her entire life.

Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and many dog owners are coming out of hibernation and getting back into a regular dog-walking routine again. Now that both dogs and cats are spending more time outside, it's important to take a few safety precautions to ensure that our pets can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. Here are five quick tips to get you started:

1. Hi, my name is - It's a great idea to equip your pet with proper identification before letting him loose outside. Place a visible ID tag on his collar as well as getting him microchipped, just in case. This way, you can be sure that your pet will get returned home if he ever gets lost.
2. What the flea? - While it's recommended in many areas to use flea and tick preventive medications year-round, it's especially important to use them during spring and summer when the critters are most active. Ticks can cause lyme disease in pets, and flea infestations are no fun for anyone, so it's best to prevent them before they happen!
3. Walk to run - If your dog has been a couch potato through the winter, then it's a good idea to gradually get him back into running as opposed to going full-sprint right out of the gate. Just like with humans, exercising and gradually building up muscles will help prevent injuries.
4. Got mulch? - When planting your beautiful garden, it's important to steer clear of cocoa mulch which, just like chocolate, is poisonous to pets. Sago palm plants are also poisonous to dogs and cats, and households with cats should keep lilies out of the house and yard.
5. Too cool for school - Because temperatures are rising, we've got to keep our pets cool. If they are outside on hot days, be sure that there is always a shady retreat and plenty of water available. And never never never leave pets in cars. Even on a 60 degree day, temperatures can rise to 100 degrees inside a car!

With a little bit of precaution and a lot of play time with their favorite human, your pets are sure to have an enjoyable springtime!

 

 

 

Pet travelers and pet owners in general often find themselves faced with a question: Should I get my pet microchipped? It's normal to feel uncertain about this matter, but we're happy to help clear things up.

Recently one of our own Pet Relocation Specialists, Katie, went through the microchipping process with her cat Leo, and she was kind enough to share her thoughts about how everything went. Read on for a firsthand account of Leo's microchipping experience told through the eyes of a caring pet owner just like yourself...

 

If you’ve been on our Facebook page recently, you may have seen a photo or two of my little guy, Leo.  I adopted Leo in August of 2011 when he was two years old. This sweet boy had been in a foster home and had been in and out of adoption catteries for his whole life. 

When I found him and fell in love with him, he had been one of the “kitties in the window” at my local pet store for seven weeks. I adopted him from the rescue group who had been taking care of him the very day that I met him. I am so unbelievably happy to give this sweet little guy his forever home!

Leo has become more and more brave since I got him and has started getting very curious about what is on the other side of my front door!  Leo is an indoor cat, so I don’t let him go outside. In light of his new found curiosity for the great outdoors, I decided that it was time to get him a microchip!  I really wanted the peace of mind of knowing that if little Leo slipped out the door and got lost, my contact information would follow him wherever he went and couldn’t fall off (like a break-away collar is smartly designed to do).  It took us two years to find each other – I want to be sure we don’t get separated again!

I had a lot of questions when getting him microchipped, so I thought I would share my experience in the hopes that it will be helpful to those of you who are considering getting a microchip for your pet.

How do I get my pet microchipped?
I took Leo to our local vet for his yearly vaccinations and had the microchip implanted during that visit.

How much does it cost?
Prices vary, but my vet charged $35.

How is it done?
The whole process is so quick and simple! Since the chip is so tiny (maybe the size of a grain of rice) it is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. It is as quick and simple as giving a shot.

Does it hurt?
If it does, Leo didn’t show it!  My vet likes to put an ice pack on the area to numb it a bit before implanting the chip because the needle is a bit bigger than a regular needle (like the kind used for vaccinations). They held the ice on Leo’s back for a moment and then injected the chip. Leo didn’t even flinch!

How do I know what my pet’s microchip number is?
Right after implanting the microchip, my vet scanned Leo to make sure it worked. He then compared the number with the package that the chip came in to be sure that it was exactly the same. He then gave me the (now empty) package and some documentation, and that’s it!  

How does it work?
If little Leo ever goes on an adventure without me, the person who finds him can take him to any vet who has a microchip reader (just about all of them do now). With the wave of a funny looking wand, the chip is read and the vet can call the company who issued the chip (HomeAgain, in my case) to retrieve my contact information.

Do I need to do anything else?
Keep your microchip information up to date if you move or change your phone number! I once found a lost dog and took him to an emergency vet right away to have his chip read. Because his owner hadn’t updated her contact information on his microchip, it took a couple of days of hunting down her information to find her. Had her information been up-to-date with the microchip company, she only would have been without her sweet pup for a couple of hours instead of a couple of days.

When we got home from the vet, Leo got a treat, of course! After gobbling it up, he was back to doing his favorite things – sitting in the windows, sleeping on the couch and playing with his cat nip toys.
Now, every time I come home, I have more peace of mind knowing that if Leo slips out the door as I’m walking in, he has an unbeatable way of making sure he can get back home to me.  

 

Thanks for sharing  your story, Katie! Find out more about ISO Compatible microchips on our blog, and please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about pet travel and microchips.
 

Name: Tony
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Maltese and Yorky
From: South Korea
To: Seattle, Washington, USA

 

We have heard several rumors that all pet dogs entering the USA must be microchipped. I have searched the web but can not confim. Our dogs are very small house pets that are never left unattended. I would rather not chip them but if rules are in place I have no choice. Could this also be an airline requirement? Can you help me?

Thanks,

Tony

 

Hi Tony,

Though not technically required to enter the United States, we do recommend that you have your pets microchipped. It's a good way to plan for uncertainty (we all hope they're unnecessary, of course, but sometimes they come in handy). Also, even for small pets, inserting a microchip is a safe and minor procedure (you can read more about microchips on our blog). It's also a good idea to check with the airline before you go to find out about any preferences or rules they may have.

Hopefully this helps; please let us know if you have any more questions, and good luck with the trip!

Name: Phyl
Number of Pets: One
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Tibetan Terrier
From: Republic of Ireland
To: Cambodia

We are moving to Cambodia for a year and need replies to two questions, please:

1. What do I need in order to arrange to bring our dog from Ireland to Cambodia?
2. What are the arrangements for when we return to Ireland? Can the dog come into the country without having to spend months in quarantine? (She has microchip & all blood tests etc..)

Thanks,
Phyl


Hi Phyl,

Thanks for the question! Here is some information about moving pets to Cambodia (also a little more here). Please contact us if you'd like some help arranging any of this (check out our free quote form).

As for your return trip, there's some good news: beginning Jan. 1, 2012 it is now much easier to import pets to the UK, so when you come back you shouldn't face a quarantine.

Let us know if you have any questions about any of this, and good luck with everything!

It's Friday, once again! Enjoy this day (or just try to make it to the end all in one piece) and take a moment to stay current on all the latest pet travel news...

A new study shows that dogs are similar to infants in terms of the way they interpret human behavior.

Do you use social media to document life with your pets?

This guy says that traveling with dogs can be easy.

What can we learn from reading about pets in the news?

General travel tidbits: the hottest destinations for 2012.

Is your pet psychic?

We already know that microchips can make finding lost pets easier, but here's an example of a child staying safe because her dog was properly ID'd.

In the wake of the UK pet import changes, travelers are discovering lots of new pet-friendly and accessible destinations.

Name: Marwa
Number of Pets: One
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pit bull Mix
From: Orlando, United States
To: Lebanon


Hello,

I would like to know how to get my dog from Orlando to Lebanon. I'll be using Lufthansa airlines and am just wondering about the exact paperwork needed for import and export.

Thank you,
Marwa


Hello Marwa,

Thanks for your question! Here are the pet import requirements for Lebanon. In addition to getting all your vaccines and a microchip, you'll need an International Health Certificate as well (that's the APHIS 7001).

Please contact us if you have any questions about this! We'd also be happy to offer you a free quote for our services if you're interested in enlisting some help.

Thanks again and good luck!

Thanks,
Tiffany


Hi Tiffany,

Thanks for your question! Here are the pet import requirements for the United States. This is one of the easier countries to import pets, and yes, you will need a microchip. We recommend a pet-friendly airline such as KLM, Lufthansa or Continental, and for more information about possible routes, costs and and other travel concerns, please contact PetRelocation.com for a free quote. Good luck with everything!

Name: Joy
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mini Pinscher
From: KL, Malaysia
To: Manila, Philippines

How do I start with this transport? I bought my dog in KL with no papers, but all the vaccination records are complete. Will my dog require a microchip? I want to bring her to the Philippines so she will have more space to play and so my relatives can take care of her. I am staying in a condo her in KL and I believe she needs more space to play.

Thanks,
Joy



Hi Joy,

Thanks for contacting us! To get you started, these are the pet import requirements for the Philippines. As you can see, a microchip will be required for your dog.

It sounds like you're planning to take great care of your dog (good luck finding a place with lots of space to run and play). Please contact us if you have any more questions, and thanks again for reaching out to us!

Many of us will be loading our pets into the car and hitting the road within the next few days, so in addition to the holiday pet tips we've already offered, we thought we'd throw a few more gift ideas and travel advice your way (because when it comes to your pets' well-being, you can never be too prepared).

-Avoid decorations that are tempting, hazardous and possibly in reach of your pet (tinsel, for example, can be very dangerous if ingested). Breakable ornaments are also risky, so make sure they're up high if you have any at all.

-If you have a Christmas tree, be sure it can't be toppled over easily by anchoring it down. Hide all electrical cords away, too, as they can be very attractive to cats and puppies who like to chew.

-If you bring your pets with you to visit friends or family, remember the importance of identification. Tags, microchips, up-to-date pictures and copies of health records are all good to have.

-If you decide to leave your pets behind when you travel (let's face it, most cats and many dogs would prefer not to have to hit the road at all), be sure to check out the kennel facility carefully or leave plenty of detailed information for your pet sitters.

-Travel safely! Pets that roam loose through the car can be a dangerous distraction. Whether you put up a gate or buy a harness, be sure to restrain your furry friend while you drive.

-Do you have a worrier on your hands? Thundershirts can supposedly help calm a pet's nerves, and we recently heard about these CDs that help dogs get over their fear of loud noises. Might be worth checking into!

UPDATE: These rules were originally scheduled to change this month, but will now take effect next year. Also, it was originally stated that the titer test should be done between 90 days and 24 months before the date of departure, but the time frame has now been specified to be between 30 days and 24 months.

Nothing stays the same for too long in the world of pet travel. For example, beginning December 1, 2012, a titer test will now be required when bringing pets to Korea. This is important information to keep in mind if you're planning a trip, as the test must be done at least a month before the time of departure.

Here is what else you should know:


New Korea Import Rules

The new rules apply to all countries other than the following rabies-free countries:

Japan, Taiwan, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Iceland, Guam, Hawaii, Samoa, Cayman Islands, French Polynesia, Martinique, Department of Reunion, Wallis and Futuna, Albania, Dominica Republic, Macedonia, Lichtenstein, Malaysia, Switzerland

It's also necessary to have:

-An ISO compatible Microchip.

-A Rabies vaccine that is valid at the time of import and older than 30 days.

-A rabies antibody titer test completed at an internationally approved laboratory, and the test must be older than three months but less than two years. The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or greater.

-The above information must be written on a health certificate, and the validity is determined by the country of export and/or airline.

(This information comes from the National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service (NVRQS).)


Other Travel Considerations

Although not required, PetRelocation.com strongly recommends the following vaccines:

-For dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Bordetella vaccines

-For cats: Feline Cat Flu-Feline Calicivirus, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Enteritis- Feline Panleukopaenia/Feline Parvovirus



Contact PetRelocation.com with any questions about moving pets to Korea (or anywhere else, for that matter). Happy traveling, everyone!

Name: Ted
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Domestic short hair and Bengal
From: Ontario, Canada
To: Florida

We would like to take our two cats with us to winter in Florida for three to four months in 2012. We would be driving from Ontario, Canada. Could you tell me what vaccinations and/or papers are required?

Thanks,
Ted


Hi Ted,

Thank you for your question. Here are the pet import requirements for entering the United States. It should be a pretty straightforward process (as you can see you'll need an international health certificate, rabies certificate, and we recommend a microchip as well).

Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with your snowbirding adventures!

Name: Alexandra
Number of Pets: 5
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: 3 tabbies, 1 torby, 1 birman
From: US
To: Australia

We're considering a move to Australia. All of our cats have been strictly indoors their whole lives, are microchipped, and have all vaccinations up to date.

Would they still require quarantine? If so, can they be quarantined in our home?

Thanks,
Alexandra



Hi Alexandra,

Thanks for contacting us! Moving pets to Australia is definitely a big endeavor, so we'd be happy to help you figure it out.

These are the requirements for importing cats to Australia from the United States. As you can see, there is a quarantine requirement for this situation (check the official AQIS site for more information). Pet owners are often nervous about putting their pets in quarantine, but in reality these facilities sound much scarier than they really are.

Check out our blog for more info about Australia pet quarantines, and please let us know if you have any more questions! When handled correctly, your cats will enjoy a safe experience and will be home with you before you know it. Good luck!

Name: Lucy
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Border Collie, Jack Russell
From: Dubai, UAE
To: Houston, Texas, US

We are moving back to Texas with our two dogs (originally from there). We want to take the dogs as cargo on the flight with my husband. What documents and paperwork do I need? Both dogs are microchipped.

Thanks,
Lucy



Hi Lucy,

It sounds like you'll be ahead of the game considering that you've traveled with your pets before. These are the pet import requirements for the US (they're pretty straightforward, as you can see).

Take a look, and please contact us if you have any further questions or if you'd like some help handling your move. Good luck with everything!

Name: Marina
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Yorkshire
From: Athens, Greece
To: Maryland, USA

Hello, I want to travel with my dog to the USA for Christmas. Will a microchip and EU pet passport be enough?

Thank you,
Marina


Hi Marina,

Thanks for your question! Here are the pet import requirements for the United States. It is one of the easier countries to gain entry to and doesn't put forth as many restrictions as many other destinations, but you're welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

Good luck and happy traveling!

Name: Zafer
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Persian
From: Turkey
To: USA



What do I need to do to bring my cat into the United States as far as shots, etc.?

Thanks,

Zafer



Hi Zafer,

These are the pet import requirements for the US. To prepare your cat you'll need an approved travel crate, microchip, health certificate and updated rabies vaccination. Please contact us if you have any questions about organizing your pet move, and good luck!

Hi Frances,

Thanks for contacting us about your upcoming move. These are the pet import requirements for New Zealand. As you can see there are several steps to this process, including making sure you have an internationally recognized microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination.

Take a look at these rules, and please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any more questions!