Pet Travel Scheme |
The
Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
was introduced in February 2000 to enable owners to take dogs and cats
to certain countries and to bring them back into the UK without quarantine.
Pets must have a PETS certificate to show that they have been
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated against rabies
- Blood tested
The veterinary surgeon administering the rabies vaccine and taking the blood sample must be an Official Veterinarian (OV). Please check that an OV is on duty when you make an appointment for these procedures.
Microchipping and the first rabies vaccine can be carried out on the same day. A second rabies vaccination is given 2 weeks later and the blood sample taken 4 weeks after that.
The results of the blood test are usually reported in 2-3 weeks. If they show sufficient protection against rabies the OV will be re-examine the pet and issue an official PETS certificate which will permit the pet to re-enter the UK six months after the date on which the blood sample was taken. The certificate is valid until the date on which the rabies booster vaccination is due – that is, 12 months from the date of the previous vaccination.
Travel is restricted to certain routes and travel companies and further information is available on the DEFRA page for pet travel, or from the PETS helpline on 0870 241 1710.
Pets must be treated for tapeworms and ticks 24-48 hours before embarking for the UK and the owner must obtain a certificate from a veterinary surgeon to show that this has been carried out. The owner will also have to sign a declaration that the pet has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries in the previous six months.
Unfortunately, the Pet Travel Scheme is often referred to as a ‘pet passport’. This is misleading as most countries still require export certificates. Owners intending to travel abroad with their pets should contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) at least 6 weeks before the proposed date of export. DEFRA will provide an information sheet detailing the import requirements of the country concerned. Certain tests, vaccinations and other procedures may be required and these have to be carried out at specified times prior to export.
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