Taverham Veterinary Practice, Fir Covert Road, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6HT.

This is a rough guide to the Pet Passport Scheme. The rules vary according to the countries involved so it always best to contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (see below) to obtain an appropriate fact sheet.

The Rules

The Pet Passport Scheme applies only to pet cats, ferrets and dogs including guide dogs and hearing dogs. It allows them to re-enter the UK from designated countries as long as they meet certain rules.

To qualify each pet must have:

  • An approved Microchip
  • Proof of vaccination against rabies - boosters will need to be given to maintain immunity at intervals specified by your veterinary surgeon.
  • A Blood test to prove immunity against rabies after the vaccination - UK vaccine manufacturers recommend that the best time to do this is 21 days after the vaccine injection. If a pet fails the blood test then it will require re-vaccinating and a repeat blood sample. No further blood tests are required after the first test which gives a successful result provided the pet is subsequently revaccinated within the intervals specified by the vaccine manufacturer. If there is a break in the specified vaccination program then the animal will require a further blood test after revaccination.
  • An Official pet passport supplied by your veterinary surgeon.

The above steps must be carried out in the order above.

A pet may not enter the UK until 6 months have passed from the date when the blood sample was taken which led to a successful test result.

Pets traveling within the British Isles

Pets resident anywhere in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland, or which have first entered England under PETS, can travel freely between these countries without the need for any documentation.

Further Information

Again it is important to understand that many countries have their own regulations which sometimes change so it is important to check with DEFRA to get the exact requirements.
The PETS website has more information on the Scheme. Visit the site on www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine

or ring the PETS helpline on 0870 241 1710 (open 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday). You can also e-mail pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk, or send a fax on 0207904 6834.

 

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