TAKING
YOUR PET ABROAD
PET PASSPORTS.
From 3.7.2004 it is possible to obtain a
European Union PET PASSPORT. This replaces the PETS travel scheme and export certificates
for all EU countries. Cats or dogs with an EU passport can move between all EU member
states (see list A). It also allows return to the UK from certain other specified
countries without the requirement for 6 month quarantine (see list B). The passport does not
automatically allow entry into these non-EU countries and it is important to check with
the Department for Environment, Farming & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)as to the requirements
of List B countries for entry.
| LIST A: EU countries.
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (not Turkish Republic), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (inc. Azores & Madeira), Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain (inc. Canary Islands, Ceuta &
Melilla), Sweden. (Sweden has additional requirements for entry). |
 |
LIST B: non EU countries.
Andorra, Antigua&Barbuda, Argentina,Aruba, Ascension
Island, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada (mainland), Cayman Islands,Chile,
Croatia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, French
Guyana, French Poynesia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenadines, Guadeloupe, Hawaii, Hong Kong,
Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, La Reunion, Liechtenstein, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Monaco, Montserrat,
Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway (except Spitzbergen), Russian
Federation, St.Helena, St.Kitts& Nevis,
St. Pierre & Miquelon, St. Vincent, San
Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, USA(mainland),
Vanuatu, Vatican, Wallis Fortuna.
Animals entering UK from
any other countries or animals entering the UK from EU or list B countries without a valid
passport will be subject to 6 months quarantine.
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Sources of information;
PETS HELPLINE 0870
2411710
web site http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/default.htm
e-mail
pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
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 |
Requirements
for PET PASSPORT. 1. microchip 2. RABIES vaccination; from 12 weeks age. 3. blood test approx. 21 days after vaccination. 4. treatment against ticks and tapeworms 24
– 48 hrs before entry |
The 6 month rule; the
passport does not become valid for re-entry to the UK UNTIL 6 MONTHS AFTER THE BLOOD
TEST. Thus you must organise the
procedure at least 7 months before you propose to import your animal.
FAILURE RATE;
VACCINES ARE 96% EFFECTIVE; THUS 4 % FAILURE RATE. FAILURE OF BLOOD
TEST MEANS MUST BE REVACCINATED AND BLOOD TESTED AGAIN.
REVACCINATION
(“BOOSTER VACCINATION”)
After the initial vaccination,
boosters should be given every 3 years**; providing that boosters are given within 3
calendar years,** further blood testing and 6 month delays should not be required.
** the frequency of revaccination boosters depends on the vaccine used; rabies vaccinations done at other clinics may need to be boosted more frequently- check the passport for revaccination dates.
Some of the non EU countries (LIST
B) may require more frequent vaccination; requirements for entry to these list B countries
should be checked with DEFRA.
We will endeavour to send reminders
to you but we cannot guarantee their arrival and responsibility for ensuring that the booster is done on time rests
with the owner.
You should also be aware that there are certain infectious diseases of dogs and cats present in most parts of Europe not present in the UK. It is possible to take steps to prevent these diseases; please ask for our advice sheet
on Heath Advice for Dogs
and cats travelling to Europe.
