Microchipping and pet passport
Implantation of a microchip with an entry in the identification database, and issue of an EU passport for a dog or cat before travel.
What it involves
A microchip is a transponder the size of a grain of rice, implanted under the skin of the neck. It has no battery or GPS transmitter; it contains only a 15-digit number, which is read with a scanner. We enter the number in the identification database together with your contact details, so that a lost animal can be quickly identified and returned.
An EU pet passport is a document that allows you to travel with a dog or cat within the countries of the European Union. It is issued by an authorised veterinarian, and only for an animal that has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
During a single visit we can carry out microchipping and rabies vaccination and issue the passport, taking into account the time limits required by the regulations.
When it is used
We recommend microchipping for every dog and cat, including those that never go outside; escaping through an open window or getting lost while travelling happens more often than one might think. We most often do it at a puppy's or kitten's vaccinations, but it can be done at any age.
A passport is needed before every trip abroad. It is worth planning the visit at least 4–5 weeks before travel, because the rabies vaccination becomes valid only 21 days after it is given.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- You are planning a holiday with your dog or cat outside Poland.
- The animal is not yet microchipped and is sometimes outside the home unsupervised.
- You have adopted a dog with a microchip and want the database registration transferred to your name.
- You have changed your telephone number or address and the details in the database are out of date.
- The breeder handed over a puppy without a microchip or without an entry in the database.
- You are moving from Poland abroad together with your animal.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Before microchipping we check with a scanner whether the animal already has a transponder; this sometimes happens with adopted animals. A short clinical examination confirms that the animal is healthy and can be vaccinated against rabies if the passport is to be issued the same day.
For the passport we need your identity document and, if you have them, any existing vaccination certificates.
How it proceeds
We insert the microchip under the skin on the left side of the neck using a special applicator. The procedure takes a few seconds and does not require anaesthesia; the sensation is comparable to an ordinary injection. We immediately check with the scanner that the number reads correctly and stick the barcode label in the booklet.
We then register the number in the identification database and, if you wish, issue the passport: we enter the animal's details, the microchip number, a description and the rabies vaccination. The passport is ready to collect during the same visit.
Aftercare
The injection site may be slightly tender for a day; it does not need to be protected. For the first week it is worth avoiding vigorous massaging of the neck, so that the microchip stays in place.
Please remember to update the details in the database after every change of telephone number or address; an out-of-date entry makes the microchip useless. When travelling abroad, please check the requirements of the destination country with us (for example worming against tapeworm before entering certain countries).
Frequently asked questions
Does microchipping hurt?
It is a single puncture with a thicker needle — most animals react as they would to an injection. For very anxious animals we can combine microchipping with another procedure under sedation.
Does a microchip allow the animal to be located?
No, a microchip has no GPS. It only allows a number to be read, by which an animal shelter or a veterinarian can find your details in the database.
How long before travelling do I need to get the passport?
At least 21 days after the rabies vaccination, which must be given after microchipping. If the dog already has a valid vaccination recorded after microchipping, we issue the passport on the spot.
Does a cat travelling to Germany or Czechia need a passport?
Yes. A passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination are required for every crossing of an EU border, for a cat too.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about microchipping and a pet passport?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.