The Pet Travel Scheme was introduced to allow cats, dogs and ferrets to travel to EU and some listed non-EU countries without quarantine. Rules are in place to protect the UK from imported diseases such as Rabies.
Since January 2012, the rules were simplified to remove the need for a blood test prior to travel from these select countries.
To travel, your pet needs:
- A microchip
- Vaccination against Rabies (puppies must be at least 12 weeks before vaccination, and may need to be 3 ‘calendar months' old’, depending on the vaccination used). Your pet cannot travel for 21 days after the initial Rabies vaccination
- A pet passport issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV)
On return to the UK, dogs need to have treatment for tapeworms between 1 and 5 days (24 and 120 hours) before entry. This treatment must be given by a veterinary surgeon and your passport stamped to certify that it has been done. The exception is direct return from Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway.
A passport is required for travel but we also recommend preventative treatment against parasites to protect your pet when travelling. Please speak to one of our vets to discuss travelling and how to keep your pet as safe as possible.
If travelling outside the EU, before any journey we recommend that you check with DEFRA to make sure you meet all the travel requirements and that no changes to the rules have occurred. The Pet Travel Scheme helpline is 0370 2411710.