non-ISO microchip

Hi all
I will be relocating to the UK with my cat (Swami) in around 12-18 months time, so I am just starting to think about the PETS process. Swami currently has a 10 digit microchip from 24Petwatch, and I am wondering if anyone else has travelled to the UK with one of these chips and whether it could be read in the UK? I know the official rule is you should have an ISO chip but basically I'm wondering whether I should get him re-chipped with an ISO chip, or if I need to get hold of a reader that can read his current chip to take with me. I still have lots of time and so am just starting to plan out the whole process.
Thanks!

From their website:

http://www.24petwatch.com/microchip-info.asp
"In the US, 24PetWatch offers non-ISO (FDX-A) technology similar to that used by other US microchip providers. These chips can be read by the Home Again, Crystal Tag and AVID readers."

Home Again chips meet the right ISO standards so could be like they say... that yours can be read by the same scanners. Call DEFRA and ask about your particular chip. Alternatively you can buy a scanner and bring it with you but it would be cheaper to re-chip.

Thanks for the info. I think it will probably be best if I just re-chip him with an ISO chip then at least I'm sure it's OK.

My cat has an Avid chip and bought a universal scanner, but I was told that there usually isn't a problem with non-ISO chips from the US.  If you've already started the PETS process, you can buy a scanner (I think I picked mine up for like $150 online).  If you do use an ISO chip, you have to make sure your vet has a reader that can read it.

I don't regret buying the scanner, though.  I have it now for vet visits and border crossings here, and I know I will never have a problem with readers no matter if it's in the States or here.

I had both of mine rechipped, but that was before I read that most people don't seem to have a problem with it.

Also, you should be able to rent a scanner if you don't want to buy one.

Yes, you can rent which is a good option if your vet's scanner can't read ISO chips.  The chip bit was the most frustrating part of it for me.  Likely, if I had known that the type wasn't that big of an issue, our cat would have been over with us on the QM2.  Of course, when I started the process I didn't know about this site.  I would have printed out the "Pet scheme for dummies" thread and handed it to my vet (the first in a line of 3 we ended up using for getting our cat ready for the move).

Thanks for all of the advice! I'm actually now thinking I may stick with the microchip we already have and just rent or buy a scanner of my own later on. As some of you have said, it may not be a huge problem anyway as they might be able to read the US chip we have once we arrive in the UK, but I will definitely get my own scanner just in case!

I actually have another question I had about the microchip, assuming I go with the one he already has. I see on the paperwork that date of insertion is required, to prove that teh cat is chipped before he had the rabies vaccine. My cat was actually microchipped by the rescue shelter we adopted him from, and whilst I know the date he was chipped, all I have to prove it is a very unofficial piece of handwritten paper saying the chip number and the date it went in. Do I need to try to get something more official from the shelter, or could my vet produce an official document saying he was already chipped when she gave him the vaccine? Or do I never need to produce actual paperwork to physically show this?

I was told by the USDA that an invoice will do.  I have the receipt from the day my boy got snipped and chipped, which I will submit with the rest of the paperwork.

 

MrsF - can you not get something from the company the microchip is registered with (the company you'd call to change your details, address, etc..)?

If I remember correctly, we used that as confirmation when our dog was microchipped as it had all of my details, my dog's details and the microchip number and when it was done.

That is a good idea Yael, I hadn't thought to contact them

Check with the airport that you will be landing at who handles the pet process. Manchester is Pets on Jets. My two dogs have the Avid North American nine (9) digit chip and they informed me that they could read it and I confirmed with Thompsonfly who we will likely fly with. Know need to go to any expense if it's not needed.

Thanks Me! I actually contacted PBS International Freight already (the company that you have to go through if you fly Continental to Gatwick or Heathrow). They checked with the animal reception center at one of those airports (I'm not sure which one) and they also said they have the AVID reader, which can also read Swami's 24Petwatch chip. I'm such a worrier though that I will probably rent one as well, just to be safe!