Pet travel scheme (PETS/EU Pet Passport)

The Pet Travel Scheme allows dogs and cats to travel between the UK and other EU countries, without quarantine, so long as they comply with the relevant regulations.

To enter or re-enter the UK from other EU countries without quarantine, in this order, your pet will require a microchip, vaccination against rabies and a blood test. They will then require an EU Pet Passport to be issued by an Official Veterinarian. They will also require treatment against ticks and tapeworms.

Further information can be found on the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk) but we have produced this fact sheet to outline the basic principles of the scheme.

Microchip

The microchip must meet an ISO specification so that a standard microchip scanner can read it. All the microchips implanted at Active Vetcare meet this specification.

Rabies Vaccination

This must only be given after a microchip has been implanted, and after 12 weeks of age. Active Vetcare use the Nobivac Rabies vaccination brand, which requires a booster vaccination every 3 years. This booster must be given before the "Valid Until" date in section IV of the passport. If the booster is missed, you will be required to re-vaccinate and repeat the blood sample.

However, please note that there is significant variation in the local rules in EU countries regarding the vaccination interval, so we advise that you thoroughly check you have fully complied with each country’s rules before travelling.

Blood Testing

After being vaccinated, if you require your pet to re-enter the UK, your pet will require a blood test to make sure that the vaccination has worked. A satisfactory blood test result will show that the rabies antibody titre was equal to or more than 0.5IU/ml. You pet will only require one blood test (if satisfactory) and one 6 calendar month wait provided the subsequent rabies boosters are given by the required date.

The blood test should be taken 21-28 days after vaccination. Outside of this time, the chance of getting an unsatisfactory result is greater. If an unsatisfactory result is obtained, your pet will require a repeat vaccination and blood test.

EU Pet Passport

Once all the above has been completed, your pet will be issued an EU Pet Passport by an Official Veterinarian (OV) to certify that all the above conditions have been met. Vets with OV status are available at all Active Vetcare surgeries.

Taking animals out of the UK

There is a 21 day rule about taking dogs, cats & ferrets to other EU countries after vaccination. Animals must wait 21 days from the rabies vaccination before leaving the UK.

6 Month Rule for Entering the UK

Your pet may not enter or re-enter the UK under PETS until 6 calendar months have passed from the date that a vet took the blood sample which gave a satisfactory test result. The date the blood sample was taken is shown in section V of the passport which the vet must complete.

Your pet requires only one blood test and 6 calendar month wait provided all subsequent rabies booster vaccinations are given by the required date. This wait is necessary because an animal infected with rabies before vaccination would not be protected by the vaccine. Six months is the time needed for most infected animals to display any clinical signs of the disease.

The rules are to protect human and animal health and to reduce the risk of importing rabies into the UK. Animals not meeting all the rules must be licensed into quarantine.

Residence

If your pet stays in another country, it may become subject to that country’s rules on residence (e.g. pets in France become resident after 3 months). You are advised to check with the authorities of that country what those rules are and what implications becoming resident will have for your pet (e.g. some country’s require annual vaccination against rabies).

To re-enter the UK: Treatment for Ticks and Tapeworms

Before your pet can enter the UK, it must be treated against ticks and tapeworms. Any vet in the EU can do this treatment. You must not do it yourself. Your pet must be treated not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before being checked in with an approved transport company to travel to the UK. This treatment must be given every time your pet travels to the UK.

The product used for tapeworm treatment must contain praziquantel. The product used for tick treatment must be licensed for use against ticks and have a marketing authorisation in the country of use. Tick collars are not acceptable.

The treatments are to stop the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis and certain ticks entering the UK. These parasites can carry disease which can infect other animals and humans, sometimes causing illness or even death.

After the treatment, the vet must complete sections VI and VII of the EU Pet Passport, and must include the date and time of treatment (using 24 hour clock), the name of the product and its manufacturer as well as stamping and signing the passport.

Travel between the UK and non-EU countries

Requirements vary greatly and you are advised to contact DEFRA directly for the most up-to-date information. Information can be found on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk or you can call the PETS Travel Scheme Helpline on +44 (0) 870 241 1710.