PET TRAVEL SCHEME

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows:

• Pet dogs and cats from the European Union and other specified countries to enter the UK without quarantine provided stringent requirements are met.

• People in the UK to take their dogs and cats to the EU and other specified countries and return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine.

PETS Requirements:

• FIRST, your pet must be microchipped – before any of the other procedures for pet travel are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so it can be properly identified.

• Your pet must then be vaccinated against rabies – 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. Rabies boosters must be kept up to date. 

• After the the first rabies vaccination, your pet cannot travel for a minimum of 21 days. There is no waiting time following subsequent rabies boosters, provided the rabies vaccination is kept up to date and given before the due date.

• Now that the UK is no longer a member of the EU, pets travelling to Europe will require a Pet Health Certificate to be issued by your vet each time your travel to Europe. The certificates are valid within Europe and for re-entry into the UK for up to four months, but a certificate can only be used to get into Europe on one occasion. For pets travelling outside Europe, please consult your veterinary surgeon prior to making any travel arrangements as the requirements for pet travel differ in different non-EU countries.

• The animal must be travelling for non-commercial purposes.  

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is continuously updated. For more information please visit the DEFRA website or contact the surgery.