Pets
in General - Pet Travel Scheme
This scheme commonly
known as the Pets Passport allows cats and dogs to
enter the UK from certain qualifying countries without
the need for quarantine providing they meet certain
requirements.
To qualify for the scheme
your pet must:-
• Have a microchip
implanted under the skin before Rabies vaccination;
this gives the animal a unique, personal identity
number.
• Be vaccinated
against rabies with an approved vaccine after it is
3 months of age.
A blood test must be taken 30 days after vaccination
and be tested at an approved laboratory; the blood
test must show that the vaccine has given the pet
satisfactory protection against rabies.
• Be issued with
a PETS certificate signed by a government (DEFRA)
appointed veterinary surgeon, an LVI (local veterinary
inspector)
The PETS certificate will give your details, that
of the pet including date of birth, microchip number,
date of vaccination and blood test and date when booster
vaccination is required and when the certificates
expires.
• Treatment against
tapeworm and ticks is necessary with approved products
24-48 hours before re-entering the UK, and a certificated
of treatment to confirm this signed by a vet.
This has to be done every time your pet re-enters
the UK.
• A declaration,
signed by the owner that the pet has not been outside
any of the qualifying countries in the 6 months prior
to entering the UK.
A pet cannot enter the
UK until 6 months after the date of the vet taking
a blood sample that gives a positive result. Entry
into the UK is only via specific ports on the South
Coast, Eurotunnel and Heathrow. These are being updated
and extended as the scheme develops.
Helpline 0870
241 1710
Or telephone your local
DEFRA animal health office
It is hoped that the
PETS certificate will be expanded to allow movement
within the EEC without the need for further documents.
Boosters and the re-issue
of certificates are made depending on the duration
of action of the vaccine used and may be every one
or two years. If your pet does not receive it’s
booster on time it would have to be vaccinated and
blood tested again, and meet the other requirements.
General Advice
Plan well ahead; discuss
your needs with your local vet and local DEFRA vets.
Your pet must be fit
and healthy for the intended journey and climate in
the countries to be visited.
Contact ferry or airline
to get their advice and requirements for travelling
with them.
You should be aware that
your pet may face other disease risks which do not
occur in the UK. Infections carried by tick and mosquitoes
can cause serious illness and you should ask your
vet for advice relevant to your journey.
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