Microchip issues--HELP!!

This may seem a bit complex, but, here it goes.

I was married before (briefly) to a man in the US military.  At the time, we were planning to come to the UK and I started the PETS process on my dog.  Since it needed to be started before the wedding, my ex had the microchip placed at Fort Sam Houston.  I have paperwork to that effect but my name is not on the paperwork.

Furthermore, he has refused to contact HomeAgain to have the owner portion changed on the microchip (although, I am listed as a contact person).  In our divorce decree, it states that I have full custody of my dog, Marley (it states the dog's name and breed).  I also have vet records showing that I have been they only provider of care for the dog for the last 3 years.  I want to make sure that Marley doesn't get held up and placed in quarantine when I go to the UK to be with my DB.

Any suggestions?  I don't want to have to leave my precious little pup behind...

Sadb

Update:  HomeAgain changed the primary contact, but, I am worried about the microchip implantation report not having my name on it.  Does anyone think that this will be a problem?  Especially with all the other required PETS paperwork?

Email or phone DEFRA and ask them.   

Seeing as you're already listed on the contact information (if not as the owner), might you try writing to HomeAgain, explaining the situation as you've done here, and enclosing a copy of your divorce decree and vet records to show that you have full custody of Marley and therefore are his rightful "owner"?  My boys also have HomeAgain chips, and while their online customer interface leaves a lot to be desired, I've found that when I've called them and spoken with an actual person that I've gotten good results.  You might try calling them, just to see if they'll switch the name and contact information over without going to all the trouble of mailing documentation...not sure if you've already tried this or not.   Edited to add: I've just seen your update - hooray! 

As long as you have paperwork detailing each of the required steps, and (for example) the rabies vaccination documentation has your name and Marley's chip number on it, you should be fine from a DEFRA standpoint.  After all, chipping is becoming much more popular these days, and the chances that a person's pet will have been chipped while in the custody of someone else are getting quite a bit higher!

Good luck - and let us know how things go!

Email or phone DEFRA and ask them.   

Thanks, Jenn!  Already tried that and it seems that an actual person is rather tough to get a hold of there.  But, I keep trying!

Seeing as you're already listed on the contact information (if not as the owner), might you try writing to HomeAgain, explaining the situation as you've done here, and enclosing a copy of your divorce decree and vet records to show that you have full custody of Marley and therefore are his rightful "owner"?  My boys also have HomeAgain chips, and while their online customer interface leaves a lot to be desired, I've found that when I've called them and spoken with an actual person that I've gotten good results.  You might try calling them, just to see if they'll switch the name and contact information over without going to all the trouble of mailing documentation...not sure if you've already tried this or not.   Edited to add: I've just seen your update - hooray! 

As long as you have paperwork detailing each of the required steps, and (for example) the rabies vaccination documentation has your name and Marley's chip number on it, you should be fine from a DEFRA standpoint.  After all, chipping is becoming much more popular these days, and the chances that a person's pet will have been chipped while in the custody of someone else are getting quite a bit higher!

Good luck - and let us know how things go!

Thanks, Meg!  I will keep you updated!  Oh, and yes, I did mail everything to HomeAgain.  I just hadn't heard anything for well over a month and I was getting concerned.  I posted my question, then checked email and HomeAgain had emailed the cert letter!  Yay!

Now, to get someone at DEFRA to talk to me!  Grrrrrr!

They were pretty good about emailing me back with my questions.  Keep trying! 

Now, to get someone at DEFRA to talk to me!  Grrrrrr!

You might also try calling or emailing the USDA vet in your state - in my experience, they were the only ones that were concerned with the documentation of the actual chipping itself, as they are the ones that use that documentation to fill out the two forms (the APHIS 7001 and the EC 998/2003) with which the shipping company/airline/DEFRA are primarily concerned.  They might be able to give you an answer faster than you'd be able to track down a live person at DEFRA!

Oooo, good idea.  Thanks!

Another thing - it's more important to have the number of the chip match the paperwork than the owner's name.  It's the dog they're worried about, not the owner.

My brother was travelling with my cat when she came over. i  even went through the trouble of having a notarised letter giving him authority etc..  they didn't even look at it, didnt' even check my id when I picked her up.  I just asked for her and they gave her to me.  And my brother's name was splashed all over the shipping docs. 

Another thing - it's more important to have the number of the chip match the paperwork than the owner's name.  It's the dog they're worried about, not the owner.

Exactly.  They're trying to establish the identity of the animal through repeated readings of the microchip, rather than trying to establish the identity of the owner.

Another thing - it's more important to have the number of the chip match the paperwork than the owner's name.  It's the dog they're worried about, not the owner.

My brother was travelling with my cat when she came over. i  even went through the trouble of having a notarised letter giving him authority etc..  they didn't even look at it, didnt' even check my id when I picked her up.  I just asked for her and they gave her to me.  And my brother's name was splashed all over the shipping docs. 

Oh, that's great to hear!  A huge sigh of relief.  Both my dogs have appointments in January to have their rabies boosters.  We are well on our way!  Thank god I have this forum!  It is great because DB (almost DF) thinks I know everything about this move! 

HA!  No matter how much you think you've prepared, it's never enough..     But we'll keep that as a secret of the expat inner sanctum!   

HA!  No matter how much you think you've prepared, it's never enough..     But we'll keep that as a secret of the expat inner sanctum!   

Oh, I believe it!  I have a notebook with dividers detailing everything that I need to do.  Checklists, etc.  It seems everyday, I add more things to the list.  I will be so happy when I am finally done with everything and living happily in Leicester with my dogs and my then hubby. 

Did I know you were moving to Leicester?  I'm in Leicester..

We will have to meet for a drink then!!