Before Surgery
As long as it’s a 15-digit code/serial number it should meet the international standards.
See the USDA pet travel website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel.
You can rent a scanner to take with you on your trip or re-chip your dog to the international 15-digit ISO standard.
Per the USDA website:
A rabies vaccination must occur AFTER microchip implantation. The rabies vaccination may be administered the same day as the microchip implantation but any rabies vaccination before a microchip is implanted is invalid.
If your pet had a non-ISO compatible chip implanted at the same time as or before your pet’s most recent vaccination, your pet will not have to be re-vaccinated even if it had to be re-microchipped with an ISO compliant chip to travel to the European Union (EU).
Remember, the number and implantation dates of both microchips must be documented on the EU Health Certificate and at least one of these microchips must have been implanted before your pet’s most recent rabies vaccine.
USDA and international quarantine offices require that the rabies shot must be current. for UK, it must be done at least 3 weeks before entering the country, but after microchipping.
The rabies titer test does not qualify. For Japan you must follow the required [quarantine process][1], they will not make any exceptions.
The doctors feel it’s not necessary to place your dog under such stress before such an intervention. You can however use dog friendly wipes before and after surgery to clean your dog avoiding surgical areas as they heal.
At your vets and each repair surgery centers descression, your doctors will clearly explain what you should do prior to your surgery day.
According to the repair heart doctors, all natural blood thinning products such as turmeric should be stopped a week before surgery, please let them know what you are giving your dogs.
The doctors will update you in person if you choose to wait at the clinic during surgery or via telephone if your services are working. They will ensure a good line of communication prior to your surgery day.
Unless your dog is small enough to fit comfortably in a small carrier bag, a stroller is recommended for transporting it in the airport (provides an enclosure that some security may ask about) and is necessary post-surgery to take your dog to/from places with you when activity is significantly restricted.
A stroller made for a child is not ideal, there are specific strollers made for pets, with a flat bed, and with the enclosure so that they cannot jump out.
A sturdier stroller is recommended so that your dog has a smooth ride especially over difficult terrain such as cobblestones and grass/dirt. Some also have, for separate purchase, a weather cover in case it rains. It is better to use a smaller stroller when navigating the trains in Japan with your dog.
Still have questions? We can help!
Get in touch via the contact page or join our MVD Community Facebook Group. We look forward to helping you navigate MVR surgery.
Mighty Hearts Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports dogs with Mitral Valve Disease through surgical intervention.
Disclaimer: The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for advice from a trained veterinarian or any other medical professional. Please do your own research and contact each clinic performing MVR surgery for the most up to date information.