Copthorne VetsThe Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows:
- pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules.
- People in the UK to take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) and certain non-EU countries, and return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine.
The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.
From the 1 January 2012 these rules will change as the UK aligns its Pet Travel Scheme with the EU-wide pet movement system.
The key differences between the current rules and those that will apply from 1 January 2012 are outlined below.
Entry rules for pets entering the UK from the EU and listed third countries
| What has to be done | Now | From 1 January 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | YES | YES |
| Rabies vaccination | YES | YES |
| Documentation (pet passport or third country certificate) | YES | YES |
| Blood test (dogs and cats) | YES | NO |
| Pre-entry waiting period | YES | YES |
| Length of waiting period before entry to the UK | 6 months from date sample taken for blood test | 21 days after vaccination |
| Tick treatment | Yes (24-48 hours before embarkation to UK) | NO |
| Tapeworm treatment | Yes (24-48 hours before embarkation to UK) | Under consideration at European level |
Entry rules for pets entering the UK from unlisted third countries
| What has to be done | Now | From 1 January 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | All pets from unlisted third countries are licensed into quarantine for 6 months (vaccinated on arrival) | YES |
| Rabies vaccination | YES | |
| Documentation (third country certificate) | YES | |
| Blood test | Yes (sample to be taken at least 30 days after vaccination) | |
| Pre-entry waiting period | YES | |
| Length of waiting period before entry to the UK | 3 months from date of blood sample | |
| Tick treatment | NO | |
| Tapeworm treatment | Under consideration at European level |
If you require further information or advice on these changes please contact the practice or visit the Defra website:
