Taking Cats and dogs abroad is becoming almost
commonplace. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS for short) has
been in operation for two years and the system is almost
becoming smooth! Planning ahead is vital as the process of
obtaining a pet passport is not quick, taking an average of 7-
8 months.
The general process
- 1. The animal should be microchipped using a ISO
recognised chip, and registered on the appropriate
database. - 2. Rabbies vaccination (animal must be over three
months old, may require two vaccinations depending
upon vaccine used. - 3. Blood sample taken to test immunity levels (at least
30days after vaccination. Few animals fail this test but
if they do the process will need to be repeated. - 4. Pet passport issued but with a SIX MONTH DELAY
You may require an export certificate, the pet passport
covers entry into the UK. The DEFRA Export Department will
advise further.. As a rule its easy to take animals to Europe
and gets more difficult as you get further afield.
Some countries have other requirements so it is also
sensible to contact the embassy for the countries involved
and check with them.
DEFRA contact details:
For information on the PET's scheme contact the PETS
helpline;Tel: 08702 411 710 (8.30am - 5.30pm Monday -
Friday)Fax: (020) 7904 6834
e-mail: pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.ukonline:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine
For more information on the Export of Cats and Dogs Tel:
(020) 7904 6347
