Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) – New Rules
1.
This scheme does not involve permanent export. If this is the case, please contact DEFRA. See
“Appendix” for contact details. (If you are exporting an animal you may still wish to meet the
requirements as detailed below.) It also limits you to travelling with no more than 5 pets
(unless you satisfy further requirements). If you are bringing a dog, cat or ferret into the
UK to sell or even REHOME you cannot travel under this scheme and must comply with the
rules of the Balai Directive.
2.
Certain countries may have individual entry requirements in addition to the requirements for this
scheme. It is your responsibility to find this out.
3.
These notes are for general guidance only. Since this scheme is constantly under review, and
policies for entering countries change regularly, we recommend contacting DEFRA
(www.defra.gov.uk) yourself to check your requirements for your planned trip every time you go.
4.
Time for completion of the scheme usually exceeds 1 month for “EU and Listed Third Countries”,
and 5 months for “Unlisted Third Countries”; so a prompt start is recommended, even before your
precise destination is known.
5.
This scheme is concerned with preventing rabies and tapeworm (Echinococcus) from entering the
UK. There are very strict rules with which to comply. It is not, however, concerned with many
other tropical diseases which can be contracted whilst overseas. These can have extreme
consequences to the health of your pet. Please see our additional handout for further advice on this
matter.
Step 1: A microchip needs to be implanted to give a unique number to permanently and positively identify
your pet. This will be checked whenever your pet is seen for any procedure under this scheme. If a
microchip has already been implanted, we need to know the date of implanting. You will receive a
certificate from the microchip company. There are 2 types of chips available; the basic and the “Biotherm”, which also reads body temperature, saving your pet the unpleasant experience of a thermometer
when clinically examined.
Step 2: A rabies vaccination is administered (from 3 months of age). In some cases (e.g. the very old, the
very young, or immune-suppressed animals – perhaps due to certain medications) it may be necessary to
administer two vaccines (3 weeks apart). You will receive a certificate of vaccination. (Dogs and cats can
be vaccinated from 4 weeks of age, but must have a second vaccine when 3 months of age). It is safe to use
in pregnancy.
Step 3 IS ONLY NECESSARY FOR UNLISTED THIRD COUNTRIES ALTHOUGH WE WOULD
ADVISE YOU STILL CONSIDER DOING IT:
30 days later a blood sample is taken to confirm the vaccine has been effective. Occasionally, certain
individuals may need to be sedated which will incur extra costs. There is no guarantee the vaccine will be
effective – if your pet fails the blood test, repeat vaccination and blood testing will be required at your
expense. A certified copy of the result is given when your pet passes the test.
Step 4: Issuing of the EU Pet Passport: When you qualify for a passport we can arrange an appointment
for both you and your pet to come to the practice in order to have the passport filled in, signed and stamped.
If there is other paperwork necessary to satisfy any entry requirements, this can be addressed at the same
time, if appropriate.
Step 5: The Waiting Period – This is the date when your pet can first leave the UK. It is 21 days from
the date of rabies vaccination for “EU and Listed Third Countries” and 3 months from the date the blood
was taken which yielded a positive result, for “Unlisted Third Countries”
Step 6: In order to keep your EU Pet Passport active, you must keep your pet’s rabies boosters up-to-date.
If you go one day overdue, you must start the whole process again – including all the costs and any
“waiting period”. Please remember to bring your EU Pet Passport with you for repeat rabies vaccines, so it
can be signed and stamped. Different manufacturers make rabies vaccines requiring different intervals
between boosters. It is important to know what the interval is, especially if you have had your booster
abroad from a manufacturer not making rabies vaccines in the UK. N.B.: Some countries require shorter
booster intervals (despite manufacturer’s recommendations). It is therefore advisable, if possible, not to let
your passport expire whilst abroad by having an early booster before you leave the UK. If this is not
possible, do make sure you know the local rules for the country you will be in at the time, to avoid any
difficulties.
Please note as a result of these circumstances which are beyond our control, we do not send out
rabies reminders - it is your responsibility to remember.
Step 7: 24-120 hours before returning to the UK, your DOG (NOT CAT) needs to be treated by a vet for
tapeworm (Echinococcus), and your passport signed and stamped. This may be done by us if you are going
on a day trip for example. The cost will depend on local veterinary fees and will vary depending on the
weight of the pet.
WE WOULD STRONGLY ADVISE TICK TREATMENT WHILST ABROAD AND JUST
BEFORE RETURNING TO THE UK
We would advise photocopying all your documentation at least twice – keep one with you and one
with someone at home. Also take the telephone numbers listed below.
Appendix:
DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs):
Tel.: (01228) 403600. www.defra.gov.uk
PETS Helpline:
Tel.: 0370 241 1710
The internet is also a good source of information.
Disclaimer: We accept no liability for any damages or losses resulting from any inaccuracy in the information above.
New Version – updated 22/01/15