Guidelines for taking your pet abroad

It is now possible for pet cats and dogs that are resident in the UK, or one of the qualifying countries ( for a current list visit
the DEFRA website on www.defra.gov.uk ) to enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine, provided they meet the rules of the
Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

New Pet Travel Guidelines 2012
Preparing your dog, cat or ferret

• Step 1 – Have your pet microchipped – Before any of the other procedures for pet travel are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so it can be properly identified.
• Step 2 – Have your pet vaccinated– After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination. Rabies boosters must be kept up to date. The length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is 21 days after the first vaccination date. A waiting period is not required for subsequent entries into the UK, provided rabies boosters are kept up to date. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21 day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination.
• Step 3 – Get pet travel documentation – For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country or territory you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate although note that Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports.
• Step 4 – Tapeworm treatment – (dogs only): before entering the UK, all pet dogs (including assistance dogs) must be treated for tapeworm. The treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK.
• There is no mandatory requirement for tick treatment.
• Step 5 – Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country or territory travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

For further information go to www.defra.gov.uk

At Abbeyfields we have many clients who enjoy taking their pets for foreign holidays or out of the UK for emigration or breeding purposes.
Our vets have experience and knowledge of the requirements of the PETS scheme.
For further information and to prepare your pet for travel please teklephone the surgery today on 01889 590449.