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.