Pet Travel Scheme
Allowing your pets to go abroad with you
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) has allowed cats and dogs to enter the United Kingdom from certain countries without quarantine since 2000.
- In July 2004 the Pet Travel Scheme regulations were replaced by new E.U., regulations. These lay out the requirements of your pet’s health when travelling between and into E.U. countries from other countries.
- At present only cats, dogs and ferrets are covered by the scheme. It allows such animals that are resident in the U.K. to travel to most European countries and to some further afield, and to return to the U.K.
- Your pet must enter the U.K., travelling with an approved transport company, from a listed country and through an authorized route.
For an up-to-date list of countries taking part in The Pet Travel Scheme please call DEFRA or visit the web site - www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine
Getting Started
To qualify for the scheme your pet must be (in this order)
- Fitted with a microchip that can be read by any standard microchip reader.
- Vaccinated against rabies this must be after three months of age and consists of 2 injections 2 weeks apart.
- Blood sample, this should be done three weeks after the rabies vaccination and tested at an approved laboratory. If unsuccessful your pet will need to be re-vaccinated
- PETS passport - If the above criteria have been successfully met, a Passport will be issued by an Official Veterinary Surgeon. In some cases an Health Certificate may also be issued.
- 24-48 hours before travelling back to the U.K. under PETS, your pet must be treated against ticks and tape worm. For confirmation that this has been done, a local vet must sign and stamp the appropriate section in the Passport.
- Remember that pets can only enter back into the UK 6 months after the blood sample has been taken, demonstrating an adequate level of rabies antibodies.
Here is a list of diseases that can be caught from ticks and fleas.
- Babesiosis; this is caught from ticks when they feed; saliva is injected into the pet with babesia organisms which multiply in the red blood cells.
- Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection also transmitted by ticks and is passed by a tick who has fed on an infected animal and then attaches to another.
- Leishmaniasis; this is passed through sand flies in mainly tropical areas. There is specific treatment available for sand flies at your vets.
- Hepatozoonosis; this disease is generally passed from bloodsucking insects. Flea and mite control: sprays, collars and spot on treatments are available to be used.
- Tick control: sprays, tick collars and spot on treatments are available to be used.
Helpful Contacts
For any other information or any questions contact:
PETS Helpline (+44)08702411710
8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quararentine
Or send an email to:
Pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
