In 2000 the Government launched the PETS pilot scheme to enable pet cats and dogs (including guide dogs and hearing dogs) to enter the UK from certain countries and territories without having to go through 6 months quarantine. This means that you can take your pet(s) abroad and return in relative freedom, providing certain requirements are satisfied and that you accept some restrictions regarding travel arrangements.

To take advantage of this change in the quarantine regulations, you should arrange the following with us:

1. Get your pet identichipped.
2. Vaccinations against rabies. Both may be carried out in a normal consultation in the same way as a booster vaccination. We recommend two vaccinations against rabies, given two weeks apart, to ensure enough antibodies are produced.
3. After a minimum of 30 days we will take a blood sample to check that your pet has been adequately protected against rabies. This can take up to a month to return.
4. A Pet Passport can be completed once we have the blood test results. You will have to wait for SIX months after the blood test is taken to travel back to the UK with your pet. The whole process therefore takes a minimum of 7 months so leave plenty of time to make sure your pet can travel on holiday with you.
5. Before you travel we have to see your pet for a health check. This is to make sure they are fit to travel and must be carried out during the week before travelling.
6. Within 48 hours of returning to the U.K. you will have to visit a vet in that country for worming and flea treatment. The vet must sign and stamp your pets passport for this or you may not be able to re-enter the U.K.

Find a list of vets in France from www.pagesjaunes.fr

At present the scheme is only available on certain routes in and out of the UK and only qualifying countries are applicable.

Current information can be found on the DEFRA Website

There is a slightly different procedure for bringing pets to the UK from qualifying EU countries and non-EU countries or territories – contact DEFRA for more details.

The above details relate to anyone who is bringing pets into the UK from abroad. If you are thinking of emigrating, and want to take your pets with you, you will need to contact DEFRA to find out what the regulations are for exporting animals into the relevant country.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There are several diseases which you should protect your pet against whilst abroad. These are very unpleasant diseases which are very difficult to treat but may be prevented. These are Babesiosis, Leishmaniasis, Erlichiosis and Heartworm.

A Scalibor collar will protect dogs against sand flies which can transmit disease.

Frontline which can protect against fleas and ticks.

Stronghold or Milbemax will protect against Heartworm.

Cats can be protected using Frontline or Stronghold/ Milbemax.

Should you require further information please contact:-

Pet Travel Scheme helpline

Telephone: +44 (0)870 241 1710
Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 6:00pm UK time (closed Bank Holidays).

Email: quarantine@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk - Please enclose your postal address and a day time telephone number.