287 Ashby Road, Scunthorpe,
North Lincolnshire. DN16 2AB
The Pet Travel Scheme
From the 1st January 2012 all pet dogs, cats and ferrets can enter or re-enter the UK from any country around the world provided they meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending on the country or territory the pet is coming from. You can check details and the full procedure for preparing your pet to travel on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website. (http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/)
To be eligible, your cat, dog or ferret must:
- first be fitted with a microchip
- then be vaccinated against rabies.
Your pet must be vaccinated against Rabies (if over 3 months old). This involves one injection of vaccine and can be done at the same time as microchipping. If your pet is less than 1 year of age or greater than 7 years of age then it may be advisable to have two rabies vaccinations given at a 2-4 week interval. Booster vaccinations will be required to maintain a valid Passport - the vaccination interval varies between different vaccine manufacturers, but your vet should tell you AND mark clearly on the Passport when the next booster is due. The vaccine we currently use gives a 3 year duration of immunity.
Pets from EU and listed non EU countries must:
- wait 21 days from the date of their first rabies vaccination before re-entering the UK or travelling to another country
- when travelling with pets from the UK to EU and listed non EU countries it is recommended that pet owners contact the competent authorities of the country they are travelling to for any additional entry requirements.
- this link will give you the full list of EU countries (http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/countries/eu-countries/) and listed non EU counties (http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/countries/noneu-countries/)
Pets from unlisted non EU countries must also:
- be blood tested at least 30 days after vaccination with a satisfactory result by a European Union approved laboratory
- wait three calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before re-entering the UK
- this link will give you the full list of unlisted countries (http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/countries/unlisted-countries/)
You must also ensure that your pet:
- is issued with a pet passport by their vet
- is treated by a vet for tapeworm, not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before the scheduled time of entry into the UK (dogs only)
- travels into the UK on a PETS-approved sea, air or rail route
Disease Awareness when travelling
Rabies is not the only 'foreign' disease which your pet may be exposed to on holiday. Heartworm, Leishmania, Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis are a similar threat to the travelling pet. These diseases are transmitted by insects, and all are potentially fatal. We are very lazy about parasite control in this country. Taking care of parasites is much more important on the Continent, particularly the warmer areas. Ask your vet (either in the UK or abroad) for advice on appropriate tick, flea, worm and fly treatments.
Pet Insurance
Not all pet insurance policies extend the cover for your pet whilst travelling abroad, but some do. It would be wise to check whether you have cover for your pet whilst on holiday, before departing.
General Considerations
It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure that the correct regulations have been complied with, when travelling abroad, NOT DEFRA OR YOUR VETERINARY SURGEON. Failure to do so could result in your pet being quarantined or refused entry into the UK. Ashby Road Veterinary Group small animal veterinary surgeons are all Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs) and are therefore able to carry out all the procedures involved in PETS and Exports.
Tips and Advice on Pet Travel: www.petsandtravel.co.uk