Pet Passport Travel Scheme (Pets)
Bringing your pet to the UK? Taking your pet out of the UK for a holiday? Taking your pet to Ireland?
jml Insurance Services: Fact File Pet travel scheme (PETS)
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain criteria. It also means that people in the UK who 'meet' these conditions can take their pets to these countries and bring them back without the need for quarantine.
The scheme: (PETS) only applies to domestic Cats and Dogs* including registered assisted dogs (i.e. guide dogs and hearing dogs.) It does not include any other animals like rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters etc. The scheme is limited and only operates from certain countries and territories coming into the UK. It is against the law in Great Britain to possess certain types of dogs and meeting the requirements of PETS will not change that.
Under the scheme which is also know as PETS, animals can travel across Europe without the need to be placed into quarantine for 6 months on their return to the UK.
Joining PETS Passport Scheme
At least 6 months before the date of travel into the UK:
The dog or cat must be fitted with a microchip.
The animal must be vaccinated against rabies.
A blood test must be done to ensure that the above vaccination will offer sufficient protection against rabies.
An official PETS certificate can then be obtained from a government authorised vet and must be carried when travelling. A declaration of residency form (PETS3) must be signed which states that the animal has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries in the 6 months before entry or re-entry to the UK.
24 to 48 hours before returning to the UK the animal must be treated for ticks and tapeworm and a vet?s certificate confirming this has been done obtained.
However a certificate of health signed by a vet 24 hours before departure is recommended for entry into Belgium and Holland.
For animals travelling to Belgium a EXP26 rabies certificate is required and must have been issued at least 30 days before travel.
Coming or going to Ireland?
Pets that have first entered the British Isles under the Scheme can then travel between the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland without the need for extra documentation. However, you are advised to take your pets documents with you in case you need to show them.
For more information
For the UK Click Here
For Ireland Click Here
When you cross the channel, although like your luggage the pet stays in your vehicle, most companies charge you for this! The reason is that they will to read your pet's identifying microchip and check its passport and documentation to prove your pet has received all the necessary vaccinations and treatments (e.g. rabies injection and tick and worm treatment). Car ferry companies between Britain and Ireland don't charge for the pet.
N.B. This information should not be relied on for accuracy and is presented here without the responsibility of jml Property Service and the website it is being displayed at. ©jml property Services 04-05
