PET PASSPORT SCHEME

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as the rules are met. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries, and return with them to the UK. They can also, having taken their dogs, cats and ferrets to certain non-EU countries, bring them back to the UK without the need for quarantine. The rules are in place to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.
TO OBTAIN A PET PASSPORT
1. Your pet needs to have a microchip.
2. Your pet must have a rabies vaccination. This can be done at the same time as the microchipping. The vaccine we currently use has a duration of action of three years.
3. The Pet Passport can then be issued but cannot be used for 21 days after the first Rabies vaccination to re-enter the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme.
4. In addition, each time your pet comes back into the UK they have to be treated by a vet for tapeworms 24 - 120 hours before embarkation

Travel regulations are changing all the time and we would strongly advise that you always check with DEFRA each time you travel in case your intended destination has become restricted for some reason. Not all countries are on the DEFRA list of permitted destinations. Travel to one of these countries with your pet will mean 6 months quarantine on return to the UK.
For the latest information contact DEFRA on 0800 241 1710 or www. defra.gov.uk (go to A-Z and look up Pet Travel). A list of all the countries included in the Pet Travel Scheme is available on this website.
TOP TIPS
Microchip number (dogs, cats and ferrets)
Ensure your pet's microchip number has been correctly recorded on all its documents. Make sure you get the vet to read your pet's microchip number before you take your pet abroad and every time you visit the surgery.
Update microchip database before travelling
If your pet's microchip number is registered on a database, consider whether you wish to update your pet's record with your holiday details before you travel. This could help in re-uniting you with your pet should it go missing while on holiday.
Make sure you get your pet's rabies vaccination done on time
Look at the 'Valid until' date on your pets passport. You must get your pet dog, cat or ferret revaccinated against rabies by this date or you will need to restart the passport procedure again.
Tapeworm Treatment
Think about contacting a vet in plenty of time before you plan to return or come to the UK so that you can arrange for your dog to receive this treatment. Remember your dog must be treated not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before being checked-in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK. Make sure the vet checks your dog's microchip number before giving the treatment. Before you leave the vet's surgery, make sure that the documentation has been fully and correctly completed. In particular, make sure that the date of treatment and the time of treatment (using the 24 hour clock) have been correctly filled in and the passport has been stamped. The vet must also note the products used to treat your dog.
Travelling to the UK
To avoid quarantine, make sure your dog, cat or ferret enters the UK with an approved transport company on an authorized route.
Travelling in hot weather
Animals should never be left in vehicles in direct strong sunshine and/or high temperatures as it is difficult to ensure sufficient ventilation to keep them cool. Unless animals are fully acclimatized, overheating, distress and suffering is likely when the temperature exceeds 25 degrees Celsius for more than a few minutes. The temperature in a car in full sun on a hot day can rise to double that outside of the vehicle in a short time, leading rapidly to distress for any animal in the vehicle.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
There are other infectious diseases that your pet may be at risk of overseas. Many of these are spread by insects and ticks. We would be happy to discuss preventative measures you can take to minimize the risks. Four of the most important diseases are listed below;
- Leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan (Leishmania sp.), which is spread between animals by sandflies. The disease is present in Europe, the Middle East and many tropical countries. The organism can cause disease in people. Affected animals may lose weight, develop skin lesions and swollen lymph nodes, become lame and have recurring fevers.
- Babesiosis is caused a protozoan parasite called Babesia. The protozoan develops inside the red blood cells of affected animals. The organism is transmitted between animals by ticks. Babesiosis occurs worldwide. In Europe, particularly in Southern France, the infection occurs in dogs and there is a possibility that dogs from the UK, on holiday with their owners in Europe, may return home with the infection. Signs of disease may include a fever, loss of appetite, red / brown urine , anaemia and weakness. Recovered animals are immune to reinfection by the same species of organism. However the parasite may persist in the blood for some years causing the disease to reappear in the same animal.
- Dirofilariasis (Heartworm Disease) is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The adult worms live in the heart and blood vessels. Dogs are most commonly affected, but the worms can also infect cats and ferrets. The intermediate stage of the worm, called the larva, is transmitted between animals by mosquitoes in hot countries including Spain and France. Clinical signs vary but may include coughing, breathlessness, and intolerance to exercise. This disease can be fatal.
- Ehrlichiosis is caused by a bacterium called rickettsia that can infect the blood cells of several species including dogs, horses and people. It is transmitted by ticks. The disease occurs in North Africa and in several European countries. Clinical signs vary but include fever, loss of appetite , anaemia, stiffness and reluctance to move. Prolonged bleeding may be seen.