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.
Travel between UK and EU countried or listed non EU countries:
- Step 1 - an approved Microchip.
- Step 2 - vaccination against Rabies - boosters will need to be given to maintain immunity at intervals specified by your veterinary surgeon. If the pet is resident in the UK, this is currently every 3 years with the range of vaccines that we use at Taverham Vets. From January 2012 it is no longer a requirement to have a blood test to test immunity to rabies.
- Step 3 - an Official EU pet passport supplied by an "Official Veterinary Surgeon". We can provide this either on the day of the rabies vaccination or on a subsequent date.
- Step 4 - wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travel
- Step 5 - Tapeworm treatment (dogs only). Before re-entry into the UK all dogs must be treated for tapeworm, administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK. No treatment required from Finland, Ireland or Malta). Tick treatments no longer required but please contact us for advice regarding recommended prevention of tick borne diseases and heartworm.
- Step 6 - arrange approved transport company on authorised route.
Travel from unlisted non-EU country to the UK:
A blood test after the rabies vaccination is still required and a 3 month wait before re-entry, from the time of the blood test, applies. Individual requirements do vary so please contact DEFRA for up to date advice.
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
Please note that the above is intended as a guide, and clients must check with DEFRA at www.defra.gov.uk before travelling aborad that they are familiar with any changes in regulation that may occur.