Whether you’re moving across the country, taking a road trip, or flying internationally with your pet, one of the most important steps you can take when travelling is microchipping and registering your pet’s information. At Petkey, we’re not just about supplying reliable microchips—we’re here to make sure your pet’s ID is secure and recognized, no matter where your journey takes you.
Partnering with Dr. Nelva Bryant – The Pet Travel Expert, we are dedicated to assisting pet owners in navigating the often-complex landscape of domestic and international pet travel. Dr. Bryant is a licensed and USDA Accredited Veterinarian who has extensive experience in global pet travel within the airline industry and veterinary public health. Together, we aim to simplify the process, ensuring you can travel safely and confidently with your beloved furry friends.
A microchip acts like a digital name tag, a permanent one, implanted safely under your pet’s skin. It’s not a GPS tracker, but it does contain a unique identification number that, when scanned by a shelter, vet, or customs officer, can be traced back to you—as long as it's registered. That last part is key!
At Petkey, we maintain a national database that connects your pet's microchip number with your contact information, making reunification possible.
Traveling domestically in the U.S.
Even when traveling within the U.S., things can go wrong. A pet may get spooked at a rest stop, slip out of a hotel room, or get separated during a natural disaster or accident. In unfamiliar surroundings, they may not find their way back to you.
Why microchipping matters:
- Many state and county shelters scan for microchips as the first step when a pet is brought in
- Airline services may require microchipping for pet transport
- In case of emergency vet visits, microchips confirm ownership and allow fast communication
How to prepare:
- Make sure your pet has ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B) All Petkey chips are ISO-compliant.
- Log in to Petkey and confirm that your contact info is current and complete
(If you haven’t registered yet, register here.)
- Add a secondary contact or emergency number in case you can’t be reached while traveling
Traveling internationally
Planning a trip overseas with your pet? Most countries have strict import rules, and many of them require pets to have an ISO-compliant microchip. If your pet isn’t properly identified and documented, they may face quarantine, denied entry, or even return to the country of origin.
Why microchipping matters:
- It's often one of the first steps in meeting a country’s import requirements
- It identifies your pet and is proof that this is the pet that matches the health and vaccine documents which may also be required
- Customs officials and international vets rely on the chip to verify your pet’s identity
How to prepare for international travel:
- Microchip before anything else – It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination in most countries
- Ensure the microchip is ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B (Petkey microchips meet this standard)
- Register your chip with Petkey and check that all travel-related contact info is up to date
- Work with your vet to get an international health certificate
- Research the specific pet import rules for your destination (including wait times after vaccinations)
What happens if your pet isn’t chipped?
Not microchipping and registering your pet before travel can have serious consequences:
- Your pet may be refused entry or quarantined at the border
- You could face hefty fines or delays
- If your pet gets lost while traveling, it becomes much harder—or even impossible—for anyone to link them back to you
- Even if found by a vet or shelter, your pet could be put up for adoption if no owner is located
Why choose Petkey?
At Petkey, we provide EU-manufactured, high-quality microchips with Parylene anti-migration coating, ensuring the chip stays put and can be easily scanned. All our chips are:
- ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B compliant
- Made from biocompatible glass
- Compatible with scanners worldwide
Final checklist for travel-ready pets
✔️ Pet is microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip
✔️ Chip is registered and contact info is updated
✔️ Pet has all necessary vaccinations and documents
✔️ Travel requirements for your destination are confirmed
✔️ Backup ID (like a collar tag) is also a great add on
"The primary purpose of microchipping is identification, which is essential for reunification and safe travel with your pet." – Dr Nelva Bryant
Don’t let a missing microchip ruin your travel plans. Microchip, register, and travel confidently—knowing that Petkey has your pet’s back, wherever life takes you.
Ready to check your pet’s registration? Visit Petkey.org or contact us at info@petkey.org today.
