PETS was introduced for dogs and cats travelling from certain European countries on 28 February 2000. The Scheme was extended to Cyprus, Malta and certain Long Haul countries and territories on 31 January 2001. Bahrain joined on 1 May 2002. Mainland USA and Canada joined on 11 December 2002. This scheme allows for limited movement of pets between the UK and some European countries under controlled conditions. Animals from non-qualifying countries must spend 6 months in quarantine.

The scheme:

·       only applies to pet cats and dogs including guide dogs and hearing dogs.

·      Is limited to pets coming into the UK from certain countries and territories.

·      Only operates on certain sea, air and rail routes to England.

If you wish to take your pet abroad with you and bring it home again you must ensure that you follow all the rules.

Your pet must be fitted with a permanent form of identification (a microchip) and have received a rabies vaccination, which is not carried out as part of the routine vaccination protocol in the UK.

You are responsible for ensuring that all the relevant documentation is completed before you travel and for arranging to see a vet abroad before you return to the UK. The cost of meeting all these requirements is your responsibility.

The six month rule

Your pet may not enter the UK under PETS until six months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a successful test result (see below). Once the vet has signed the PETS certificate and that six month period has passed, the PETS certificate is valid and your pet may enter the UK.

Before you enter the UK your pet's microchip and all relevant documentation will be checked by the transport company. If documentation is not in order your pet will be returned to the country from which it is travelling or be required to undergo 6 months quarantine before being allowed back into the UK.

Make sure you can answer YES to the following before arriving at UK immigration:

There are details to help you answer these questions below.

• My pet has a microchip
• My pet's rabies vaccination is up to date
• Blood test confirms adequate rabies protection (6 months before travel)
• Health certificate obtained from your vet before travelling
• We are travelling to an approved country
• We are travelling by an approved route
• Health certificate obtained from vet abroad to confirm treatment for parasites
• I have signed a declaration to confirm my pet has only visited countries approved by the scheme (Residency declaration)
• I have checked that additional certificates are not required by the country I plan to visit.

Does your pet have a microchip implant?

A microchip is a small electronic implant that your vet will insert under your pet's skin which carries a permanent identification number.

Is your pet vaccinated against rabies?

You must make an appointment with your vet at least seven months before re-entry into the UK for your pet to receive a rabies vaccination. The primary course of vaccination consists of two injections, two weeks apart. Booster vaccinations must be given (either annually or every two years depending on the country you are visiting) to maintain your pet's immunity. A microchip must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination is given.

Has your pet got adequate protection against rabies?

A blood test must be performed to show that the rabies vaccination has been effective in protecting your pet against rabies. This test is usually performed about 1 month after the second rabies vaccination of the primary course. You must take your pet's vaccination card with you when you visit your vet for this blood test. This blood test MUST be carried out at least 6 months before the date you intend to bring your pet into the UK.

Do you have necessary certificates for your pet?

Your vet will examine your cat/dog before you travel to certify that it has a microchip, is up to date with rabies vaccination, and has had a successful blood test. You will be issued with a PETS Certificate which can only be completed by a specially registered vet. In some instances it may be necessary for your vet to complete a separate certificate to show that your pet meets the health requirements of the countries you are visiting or travelling through. You should contact the local DEFRA office or Embassy of the country you are visiting for details of these requirements. Only vets approved by the government (LVIs) can sign these certificates - so check with your veterinary practice that they have a vet who is able to complete your documentation. At this time your vet can also examine your pet to ensure that it is fit to travel.

Qualifying countries

The list of countries to which pets resident in the UK may go to and return under the PETS scheme regularly changes as do the specific requirements of each country. It is your responsibility to check details of these to ensure that you have the correct paperwork. You can do this by visiting the DEFRA website(see below).

To bring your animal into the UK under PETS from one of the qualifying countries you must carry out the above procedures in the order shown. If your pet is resident in France or Denmark these procedures may be done in a different order. If you are bringing your pet to the UK from a Long Haul country or territory, there will be additional requirements.

Routes and companies by which you can bring your pet into the UK

At present only a limited number of routes into the UK are covered by the pilot scheme. Pets travelling through other routes will still be required to undergo a 6 month quarantine period. Again refer to DEFRA for advice on which routes and companies are currently covered by the scheme. If you are in any doubt contact the company you plan to book with and ask them for more details.

Has your pet been treated for parasites abroad?

Not less than 24 and not more than 48 hours before you return to the UK your pet must be examined by a vet abroad and treated against ticks, tapewormand any other parasitic conditions which are present in the country you are visiting (to prevent them being imported into the UK by your animal). The vet will sign another health certificate which you will need to present to immigration on re-entry to the UK showing that this treatment has been carried out. If you are going abroad on a day trip with your pet, you will have to have this done before you go.

Have you signed an owner declaration?

You will be issued with a Residency declaration form by the company organising the travel of your pet. The form may also be obtained direct from DEFRA. You must complete and sign this form immediately before embarking for the UK and hand a copy to the carrier when they check your pet's microchip. You should keep a copy of this form for your records. Make sure you obtain a certificate BEFORE travelling.

Does your pet have holiday insurance?

Strange as it may seem holiday insurance is now available for your animals too. This can cover emergency veterinary fees, third party liability, loss of passport and many other eventualities. Insurance is available for 30 days or longer periods. If your pet is already insured ask your insurance company if they offer discounted premiums for travelling.

We love our pets and it is tempting to take them with us wherever we go. Before taking your pet abroad consider whether it would be better to leave him in his own home with someone to look after him or even to put him in a boarding kennel rather than take him on a long journey.

Pet Passports

From 3 July 2004, the existing PETS 1 and PETS 5 certificates and other EU import documents for non-commercial movement of pet animals will be replaced by a passport issued by an approved veterinary surgeon within the EU. You can view and print details of this from DEFRA's website on the Pet Travel Scheme at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine.

The passport will contain details of the pet owner and the animal including its microchip number, rabies vaccination and blood test details and sections to record the tick and tapeworm treatment required fro entry to the UK. Only pets entering or re-entering the UK need comply with all these requirements. If the animal is going to an EU country and not returning to the UK, all that will be required are the microchip and vaccination details recorded in a passport.

Owners may still enter with valid PETS entry certificates issued before 3 July 2004, and accompanying tick and tapeworm certificates.

What stays the same?

Under the EU Regulation, the basic requirements which dogs and cats must meet in order to enter the UK under PETS will remain the same. They must be:

• Microchipped
• Then vaccinated
• Then bloodtested
• Have waited at least 6 months from the date a satisfactory blood sample was drawn
• Prepared in a qualifying country (but they can be microchipped anywhere), and not have been resident outside the qualifying countries under the Regulation. If they enter from, or have been prepared in a non-qualifying country, they must undergo 6 months quarantine accompanied by an import licence
• Treated against ticks and tapeworms 24-48 hours before being checked in on the approved route into the UK
• Revaccinated in accordance to the manufacturers' instructions

There will still be free movement within the British Isles, including the Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Where can I get more information?

You can get more information about PETS and quarantine by contacting Defra:

Pet Travel Scheme Helpline
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Area 201
1a Page Street,
London
SW1P 4PQ 

Telephone: +44 (0)870 241 1710
(Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time. If you cannot get through, please leave a message on the voice mail)
Fax: +44 (0)20 7904 6206 -mail: pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk (please enclose your postal address and a day time telephone number)

Or visiting the website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm

Quarantine Section
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Area 209, 1a Page Street,
London
SW1P 4PQ 

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7904 6222
Fax: +44 (0)20 7904 6834

E-mail: quarantine@defra.gsi.gov.uk