Microchip failure
Although the reliability of microchips has improved and the failure rate is very low there are still occasions when microchips can fail. This has particular implications for those travelling abroad with their pet, as microchip failure can lead to an animal being unable to travel.

1. The veterinarian must firstly identify if the microchip has failed or is missing.
2. If the microchip is missing, the pet will have to be fully prepared again.
3. If the microchip has failed, the veterinarian should remove the old microchip and insert a new microchip at the same time (and check it can be read immediately after insertion).
4. The veterinarian must then send the failed microchip to the manufacturer to see if it can be read/identified.
5. If the microchip can be read, the veterinarian will obtain a record/letter confirming this from the manufacturer.
6. The veterinarian must then record the details in Section XI ‘Others’ of the passport, in the following format:
   “Microchip number [insert new number] was inserted on removal of failed microchip number [insert original chip number] which was originally implanted on [date] and sent to the manufacturer on [date] which read the number successfully on [date]”
   
   If at all unsure as to Defra procedures, your vet should contact their local Animal Health Office prior to insertion of a new chip, any surgical procedures, or amendments to your pet’s passport.
7. In the event of the manufacturer being unable to identify the number of the faulty chip, your pet will have to be fully re-prepared using the new microchip number as the means of identification.

Further information can also be obtained from the following sources:
Defra travel regulations

BVA – Animal Welfare Foundation leaflet on taking your pets abroad

ESCCAP – Parasite maps

Health Protection Agency advice on Rabies

Details on testing for and management of exotic diseases (especially tick borne diseases)