Introduction
A microchip is your pet's "ID card" — the thread that ties all the paperwork together. But if that chip isn't ISO 11784/11785 standard, the reader at the destination border may not be able to scan it. Your pet can be turned away even if the vaccines and documents are all in order. This guide explains the four things Convey wants every owner to know to make sure your pet's chip will pass before the flight.
What ISO 11784/11785 actually is
ISO 11784 and 11785 are the international standards that define the data structure and communication method between the chip and the reader. In plain language, they're the "common language" that lets readers anywhere in the world correctly identify the same chip.
What a proper ISO chip looks like
- A 15-digit number (the first 3 digits are the country or manufacturer code)
- Operates at 134.2 kHz frequency using FDX-B technology
- If it isn't FDX-B, it won't be internationally accepted even if some readers can read it
Why this matters for flying
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends ISO chips so pets can move and be identified worldwide. Most destinations — UK, EU, Australia and beyond — require this standard.
| Aspect | ISO chip (FDX-B, 15 digits) | Non-ISO chip |
|---|---|---|
| Readable at destination | Universally | May not scan |
| Border acceptance | Passes | Risk of rejection |
| If it doesn't work | — | Carry your own reader, or re-chip |
Convey team's advice: If your pet's existing chip isn't ISO, the safest path is to implant a new ISO chip and restart the vaccine timeline. The destination only counts the chip the reader can read.
The critical sequence: chip before rabies vaccine, always
This is the most common mistake. Nearly all destinations require the ISO chip to be in place before the rabies vaccine. The chip is what ties the vaccine and titer test back to your pet. If you vaccinate before chipping, that vaccine is invalid and has to be repeated (see our export documents checklist for details).