Pet Travel Scheme

This scheme allows the movement of dogs and cats between participating countries without the need for special export documents and without the need for a 6 month quarantine period when returning to the UK.

Animals currently taking part in the scheme must:

Have a Microchip inserted

Have a Rabies vaccination.

Have a Blood Sample taken after the Rabies vaccination. This test is being stopped very soon. Please refer to the DEFRA website (link below).

Be issued with a Pet Passport if the blood sample gives a satisfactory result.

After this, animals may be taken from this country to any other participating country. An animal can be brought back into the UK 6 months or more after the date on which the blood sample was taken.

24-48 hours before returning to the UK, pets must be treated by a veterinary surgeon with certain anti-parasitic medicines.

Booster Rabies vaccination is required in order to keep the Passport current. The time interval for these boosters varies between dogs and cats and between different vaccine manufacturers.

** From 1st January 2012 the requirements under this scheme are being brought in line with European Union rules and the need for a blood test will cease.

For more details of the scheme and to ensure that you have the most recent information, please click the link to DEFRA - what pet owners need to do.