26610 22611
V E T E R I N A R Y P R A C T I C E
MICROCHIP & PET PASSPORT
Microchip
All cats and dogs in Greece are required by law to be microchipped. Pet microchips are small, permanent identification chips that are about the size of a grain of rice. They are injected under the skin on the left shoulder of the pet and do not require anaesthetic. The process is about as quick as a vaccination.
Your pet’s microchip ID code, just like your pet, is one of a kind. This ID code along with the pet owner’s information is registered in the greek microchip database ( run by the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food). Registration and keeping your contact information updated are just as important as microchipping.
Microchips are the only official way of determining animal ownership and the best way for a lost pet to be reunited with its owner. If a pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, they will scan your pet for a microchip and read its unique code. With this code, a veterinarian is then able to search the microchip database and contact the pet’s owner.
Pet Animal Passport
Under the European Union (EU) pet movement system, all pets moving between the EU Member States must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a pet passport. Some EU countries may have additional requirements. Countries outside of the European Union may have their own rules governing the movement of animals in and out of these countries.
The following steps will need to be undertaken for a Pet Passport to be issued for your pet:
-
Your pet must have a microchip implanted. Before any other pet travel procedure can be carried out your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.
-
Your pet must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old in order to receive a rabies vaccination and must wait 21 days from the date of the initial vaccination before traveling.
Once the above steps have been successfully completed a pet passport can be issued. The passport must be signed by an official veterinary surgeon, confirming that the conditions have been met. Our vets are fully qualified to perform all the vaccines and paperwork necessary to complete a passport for your pet.
Pets traveling to the UK must also be treated for tapeworms 24-120 hours (1-5 days) before entering the UK. This treatment must be administered by a vet and certified within your pet passport.