A
n ever increasing number
of cat and dog owners
are taking the opportunity
to take their pets away on
holiday with them. Providing
the very strict rules are followed
carefully, travelling with your
pet has never been simpler.
The pet passport scheme
was started in 2001 to
make travelling with cats and
dogs easier around the
European Union. Since then
the regulations have been
modified and the list of
countries included in the
scheme has increased. (Always
check that your destination is
part of the scheme!)
For a vet to issue your pet
with a passport, they must first
have a microchip implanted
(a microchip will be compulsory
for all dogs in England from
April 2016) and then be
vaccinated against Rabies.
The passport will be valid for
travel from 21 days after the
rabies vaccination and remains
valid as long as the rabies
vaccination is up to date.
The scheme requires that
all dogs are treated against
tapeworms, 24 to 120 hours
before scheduled arrival back
in the UK. This treatment must
be given by a vet and recorded
in the pet’s passport. Timing
is strictly enforced so check
the date and time are entered
correctly! Treatment for ticks
is no longer a specified
requirement of the scheme
however protection against
tick borne diseases should
always be considered when
travelling abroad.
Your pet’s passport will be
checked when you leave and
re-enter the UK so only specific
travel companies and travel
routes are permitted. Some
countries have additional
conditions to meet before
your pet can enter. Always
check your travel plans fit
within the pet passport scheme
well in advance. Mistakes will
result in delayed travel or even
quarantine!
A complete list of the countries
included in the pet passport
scheme; details of the special
conditions that certain countries
require in addition to a passport;
and a list of approved carriers
and travel routes can be
obtained from DEFRA.
A detailed guide can be found
at
-
information-for-pet-owners
.
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talk
03
Pet Passport
Scheme
Bear in mind
when travelling
abroad with
your pet;
The passport scheme is
designed to prevent your
pet bringing Rabies and
tapeworms into this country.
However there are many
other ‘exotic’ diseases that
your pet may come into
contact with while you are
abroad. Your vet can advise
you on the precautions you
should take to avoid these
serious diseases and ensure
that both you and your pet
have a healthy holiday.
By
Graham Connan MA VetMB MRCVS
608 Vet Practice
