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).

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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 to the UK.  This must be done before each entry to the UK and the details entered into  the passport.    .

 

 

 

 

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 2 years; providing that boosters are given within 2 calendar years, further blood testing and 6 month delays should not be required.

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.

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 Art work by Jenna Oakes.

 

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