Pet Travel Scheme
Written by Helen Pratt BVSc, MRCVS, GP Cert SAM.
Looking forward to our British summertime, with rain a-plenty, everyone’s barbeque skills will
now be getting as rusty as the forlorn equipment itself.
So I can understand why everyone wants to go abroad for their holidays, and with the change in
regulations which came into effect in January 2012, it has never been easier to take Fido with
you.
A microchip is the first step. Once identifiable, a rabies vaccination is administered, and then a
Pets Passport is issued.
Since “ve are all friends now”, travel to Europe requires just a 21 day period to elapse after the
vaccination; it is assumed that by then, antibodies against rabies are high enough. Your passport
is valid, so pack the chewy toy and spare lead and off you go. Should you be packing more in the
canine case - most certainly yes- insecticides!
There is a list of diseases on the continent other than rabies that we in the UK are fortunate to be
unconcerned about; Babesiosis, Leishmaniasis, and Heartworm to name a few (it is now possible
to vaccinate against Leishmaniasis, although the schedule is quite lengthy). Most of these
diseases are spread by insects, which is why we don’t see them; it’s a bit cold thankfully in this
country for the infected varieties of ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies. But we do occasionally see
them now, due to the larger numbers of travelling pets. So it is important to have protection
whilst potentially exposed to these diseases.
Before you go, it’s not a bad idea to book a pre-travel appointment – checks the microchip is
reading correctly and gives a chance to make sure you have a product to kill +/-repel ticks, as
well as repelling mozzies and sandflies, and protection against heartworm. Unfortunately one
product doesn’t do all; a combination of products is recommended to cover all aspects. It is
important to have cover in place before you get to your destination so that repellent levels are
high and protection is immediate.
Before coming back into the UK, under the Pet Travel Scheme, there is an obligation for a health
check and tapeworm treatment at a vet surgery on the continent at a flexible 1-5 days prior to
your return.
Be aware that it’s down to you to check you have the right vaccines/paperwork/travel
arrangements in place. A rabies booster vaccination is required usually at 3 yearly intervals, but
be aware if you are going for a long period, you may be treated as a “local” and have additional
regulations to adhere to such as an annual re-vaccination. Some carriage companies require
“fitness to travel” certification, although this is more usual for flights or long haul travel rather
than crossing on the ferries! The DEFRA website has a link to check on travel scheme
requirements at http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/.
ENJOY YOUR FAMILY HOLS!!
Colne 01282 863892, Barnoldswick 01282 852390,
Burnley 01282 421215, Nelson 01282 616650 Email: liz@stanleyhousevets.co.uk
NATIONAL PET MONTH
National Pet Month is taking place from April 1 - May 5 this year and the theme is
Celebrating Our Pets 
We are offering free nurse clinics this month and encouraging you to bring your family down with
your pets. The nurse will check your animal is healthy and get your kids involved. We can show
them how to handle and care for their pet and the children can ask the nurse questions about
their pet.
There will also be a number of kids competitions:

A colouring competition for kids up to 6 years old.

A colouring competition for kids aged between 6 and 9 years.

For ages 10 years and above we are running a quiz.
For each category the prize winner will receive a book on how to care for their chosen pet.
For more details on how your kids can enter our competitions please ask one of our receptionists
or nurses 
Top Ten Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership
1. Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements.
2. Ensure your pet is sociable and well trained.
3. Provide a nutritious and well balanced diet.
4. Provide suitable housing and bedding.
5. Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly.
6. Protect against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice.
7. Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.
8. Groom your pet regularly.
9. Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified.
10. Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to cover against unexpected veterinary
fees and third party liability.
Colne 01282 863892, Barnoldswick 01282 852390,
Burnley 01282 421215, Nelson 01282 616650 Email: liz@stanleyhousevets.co.uk