Bringing a domestic cat (or dog or ferret) into Sweden as a permanent resident seems to be a lot easier than importing a human. At least some things about this will be easy!
The regulations are intended to prevent the spread of rabies in Sweden, but the rules are acutally set by the European Union. Dogs, cats and ferrets that travel within the EU must be identity marked with a microchip and vaccinated against rabies.
Well, since Massachusetts also requires cats and dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, that’s not a problem.
The microchip was a bit more problematic. The EU requires a 15-digit ISO microchip. Angel’s was already the correct type, but Jacoby had a domestic, 9-digit chip. Not only that, but his chip had migrated to the front of one shoulder, where his collarbone would be if he had one.
So Jake had to have a new microchip implanted.
In case you’ve never seen an actual microchip, this is what it looks like. And it’s tiny – literally the size of a grain of basmati rice.
Both Jake and Angel also needed to get their blood drawn to test their rabies titres. This is the level of rabies antibodies present in their systems. Because I keep them up to date on their shots, they’re both fine and can go to Sweden at any time.
I wish it were that easy for humans. I mean, I have had my rabies shots, too!
The Daily Abyssinian...and Singapura 
The microchips I have had for all of my Abys have been the ISO ones. I investigated the options when I first started microchipping my cats and chose the ISO (because I like standardization LOL). I should have got Jake’s done before I brought him to you – he’d have had the correct type! It’s been 4 years since I have placed any kittens. When the time comes to do so again, which it just might soon ;-), I should microchip all kittens going to their furever homes and just adjust the price.
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I don’t know why he had the other type – I got it when he was neutered. But it migrated to the front of his shoulder, so it’s just as well…
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Yes, but do you need a microchip? 😉
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I’m sure it’s only a matter of time…
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You’ve got your shot? Good, because I cannot have you frothing at the mouth here. People might notice.
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You do know the story of how I got a rabies shot, don’t you?
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This is actually timely information, thank you for sharing! My father is trying to organize a move to Taiwan, and this prompted me to research whether his dog’s microchip is ISO. It’s not, and you probably saved his dog from a 180 day quarantine!
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