Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) enables pet owners to take their pets to approved countries and back again without the requirement to put their pets into quarantine.
Impt! You need to prepare at least seven to eight months before you travel.
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) requires the following steps, and must be completed in this order:
Requirements
- Pet must be micro-chipped.
Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified. - Pet must be vaccinated against rabies.
Your pet must be at least 3 months old, and have been fitted with a microchip, before it is vaccinated. - Pet must be blood-tested.
After the pet has been vaccinated, it must be tested (approximately 1 month after initial vaccination) to be sure the vaccine has given sufficient protection against rabies. - Pet must be issued with an EU Pet Passport.
Once the above steps have been successfully completed, you can get an official PETS certificate from a government authorised vet. - Pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms.
Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm between 24 - 48 hours before it is checked in for the return journey to the UK. Any qualified vet can carry out the treatment. The vet must also issue an official certificate of treatment to show that this treatment has been carried out. If you are going abroad on a day trip with your pet, you will have to have this done before you go.
Warning! 6 month Rule
The Pet Passport does not become valid for re-entry to the UK until 6 months after the blood test.
Although you can take your pet abroad as soon as the blood test shows adequate immunity and the passport has been issued, your pet cannot return to the UK until 6 months from the date of the blood sample being taken.
This would effectively give enough time for the clinical signs of rabies to appear if your pet had been infected either before or at the time of vaccination.
If you try to re-enter the UK with your pet before this date, your pet will either be refused entry or will be put in quarantine for 6 months.
Countries eligible for PETS
You can travel to a growing number of countries in Europe and further afield under PETS. For the latest information visit the DEFRA website.
Further information:
DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme Helpline: +44(0)870 241 1710
