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 the rules. It also means that people in the UK can, having taken their pets to these countries, bring them back without the need for quarantine.
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. The USA and Canada joined on 11 December 2002

What do I need to do to allow my pet to travel?

Your dog or cat must have a microchip implanted. We then prefer to wait a day or two in case the microchip is incorrectly placed before it is checked and a Rabies vaccine is given. A blood sample is taken from your pet two to three weeks after the Rabies vaccine to ensure the vaccine has been effective. If your pet passes the blood test, a Certificate for Re-entry into the UK is issued, valid from 6 months after the date of the blood sample, until the vaccine expires.

What if my pet fails the blood test?

Another rabies vaccine is given and the test repeated after another two to three weeks.

What happens when the PETS certificate and rabies vaccine expire?

Your pet must have a booster vaccination for rabies before the certificate expires. Another certificate can then be issued. If the vaccine becomes overdue, even by a day, your pet will have to have another blood test and another 6 month wait.

What other documents do I need for the Pet Travel Scheme?

You will have to sign a Declaration of Residence (PETS 3) stating that your animal has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries in the six months before it enters the UK.
You also need a Certificate of Treatment against ticks and tapeworm. This treatment is undertaken between 24 and 48 hours before your return journey to the UK. You will need to find a vet to verify this treatment and issue the certificate. We can issue certificates for day trips.

How do I find a vet to issue the Certificate of Treatment against tapeworm and ticks?

Your travel company may be able to help you find a suitable practice. Some European countries have websites listing veterinary practices, or the Embassy can help.

Where can I travel from?

There is a list of qualifying countries, a list of designated routes of travel and a list of designated carriers. These are regularly updated by the Government and available from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – see below for contact details.

What other documents might I need?

The PETS documents are for entry into the UK. You may require documentation for the countries you are entering abroad. Some countries require us to issue you with an Export Health Certificate a few days before you travel. This will be required on each occasion you enter these countries. Others require an Import Permit or a different rabies vaccination certificate. You can get the information you require from DEFRA or the relevant embassy. If you are travelling through several countries, you may need to plan very carefully so you can get the correct documentation at the correct time.

What problems might occur with the scheme?

You need to keep your pets documents with you and as carefully as you would your passport. Have photocopies made, and take one with you and leave one copy at home. We advise that you get your Pet’s microchip checked immediately before travel.
The window of travel time allowed by the Certificate of Treatment against ticks and tapeworm is only 1 day. If your travel is unexpectedly delayed, your pet must be treated again.

Are there any health implications for my pet?

The requirements for the scheme are as safe and effective as you would expect. However you should consider the implications for your pet of travelling long distances. Your pet may not welcome climate changes and the upset of routine. They will be exposed to unfamiliar bacteria and viruses and may suffer illness as a result. If your pet does become ill abroad you must be able to overcome the difficulties in communicating with a foreign veterinary surgeon. You should check that your pet’s insurance cover is extended to include treatment abroad.

Are there any serious diseases I should worry about?

In the warmer areas covered by the scheme, around the Mediterranean, there are a number of highly significant, insect-borne diseases, including Leishmaniasis, Babesiasis and Erlichiosis. These disease are not yet present in the UK but may become more prevalent should pets travel to and from endemic areas. You can use treatments such as Advantix to protect against mosquitoes, sand flies and ticks which are the carriers for the diseases mentioned above

What other problems may I encounter?

You must abide by any pet control regulations in the country you are travelling to. You need to check if any regulations are in force, especially concerning certain ‘dangerous’ dog breeds.

Why is it all so complicated?

Quarantine has protected Britain from rabies very successfully. Any scheme replacing it must be as effective.
The scheme is designed to allow movement of the work force within the EU and will also benefit people with second homes on the continent and people who travel with Assistance dogs such as Guide Dogs. It is not designed just to allow you to take your pet on holiday.

Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about PETS,
Telephone the PETS Helpline on 0870 241 1710
Visit the PETS website at www.defra.gov.uk

We hope you will find this information is helpful but if anything is unclear or you have a specific problem please ask the one of our vets or nurses on your next visit or ring the surgery on 01451 830620 between 8.30am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday.