The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) will allow your dog or cat to re-enter Britain without the requirement of quarantine after travelling to a listed number of foreign countries. In order to travel under the scheme your pet must obtain a Pet Passport.

Obtaining a pet passport takes time and you should begin the process at least 1month before you travel.

STEP 1: 

Have your pet microchipped. Before any other pet travel procedure can be carried out your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.

STEP 2: 

Have your pet vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption from this requirement and rabies boosters must be kept up to date. Once vaccinated your pet must wait 21 days from the date of the vaccination before leaving the UK.

STEP 3:

Get the pet passport documentation for your pet. The practice will supply this once your pet is vaccinated against rabies. The filling in of the pet passport takes some time so when booking your pet in for a rabies vaccination and pet passport please inform the receptionist and request a double appointment. This does not apply for rabies boosters once your pet already has a passport.

STEP 4: 

Tapeworm treatment (dogs only). All dogs must be treated for tapeworm 24-120hours (1-5days) before entering the UK. This treatment must be administered by a vet and certified within your pet passport. There is no longer a mandatory tick treatment however we strongly recommend that you keep your pets tick prevention up to date whilst abroad as many serious exotic and zoonotic diseases are transmitted in this way.

STEP 5: 

Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

STEP 6:

Have a lovely holiday with your pet! You should check the government website for valuable info.

Your pet must re-enter with an authorised company on an authorised route.

If you are travelling to an unlisted, non-EU country your animal will require a blood test to check their rabies vaccination has provided a satisfactory level of protection. This blood sample should be taken at least 30days after the initial vaccination.

If this gives a satisfactory result your pet can travel into the UK 3 calendar months after the date of the blood sample.