PETS: (The Pet Travel Scheme)

see below

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 they meet the rules. 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 to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.

The European regulation which sets the rules for dogs, cats and ferrets to travel between European Community countries and into the Community from other countries also covers the movement of other pet animals:

It is against the law in Great Britain to possess certain types of animals and meeting the requirements of PETS will not change that.

Dogs, cats and ferrets

The UK does not permit the import of dogs, cats and ferrets that have not been vaccinated against rabies. Once they have reached the minimum age for vaccination (as stated on the vaccine manufacturer's datasheet) they must be prepared in accordance with all the requirements explained on this website, taking account of the required order of preparation.

PETS only applies to dogs, cats and ferrets travelling between the UK and certain countries and territories . Dogs, cats and ferrets must not have been outside any of these countries in the 6 calendar months before entering the UK .

Before travelling, you must make sure that your pet cats and dogs (including assistance dogs) or your ferret meets all the rules of the Scheme.

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK under PETS may only do so on certain sea, air and rail routes .

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK from non-qualifying (unlisted) countries must spend 6 months in quarantine on arrival.

PETS: How to bring your pet dog or cat into or back into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

Pet dogs and cats ( including guide and hearing dogs ) that are resident in either the United Kingdom or one of the other qualifying (listed) countries can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the Scheme.

The Guide Dogs For the Blind Association, in partnership with other UK assistance dog organisations, Defra and a number of UK airlines has produced a set of guidelines for assistance dog owners wishing to use the Pet Travel Scheme.

Please remember that assistance dogs entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme must meet all of the rules of the Scheme – please refer to this site for further details about the Scheme rules or ring the PETS Helpline on   0870 241 1710       

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Animals which do not meet all the rules must be licensed into quarantine . They might then be able to obtain early release if they can be shown to comply with the necessary PETS requirements.

Animals from unlisted countries must spend 6 months in quarantine on arrival in the UK.

To bring your dog or cat into the UK under PETS from one of the listed countries you must have it first microchipped, then vaccinated against rabies and then blood tested. There are no exceptions to this order of preparation apart from the exemption explained in the next sentence. If your pet is resident in certain countries these procedures may be done in a different order .

There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Where PETS procedures can be carried out

Your pet can be fitted with a microchip in any country. The rabies vaccination (including boosters), blood sampling, issuing the PETS documentation and the tick and tapeworm treatment must all be carried out in the UK or any of the other qualifying countries ( see website link reference provided below ).

The six month rule for entry or re-entry to the UK

Your dog or cat may not enter the UK under PETS until six calendar months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result. Once the vet has issued the PETS documentation and that six month period has passed, the PETS documentation is valid for your pet to enter the UK.

The 21 day wait before moving from one EU country to another.

There is a 21 day wait before your pet can enter other EU countries.

The procedures

•  Have your pet microchipped

Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.

•  Have your pet vaccinated

After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination

•  Arrange a blood test

After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.

•  Get PETS documentation

For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate although note that Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports.

•  Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm

Your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.

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

Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

Countries eligible for PETS

For a full listing of eligible countries please visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/territory.htm

PETS: Contact details

You can get more information about the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and quarantine by contacting Defra:

PETS helpline Telephone:  +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time). Email: quarantine@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk (please enclose your postal address and a day time telephone number).

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