PETS Scheme - An Owner's Guide

This Web page is designed as a brief guide but you should discuss your plans with your veterinary surgeon before making any firm plans. Further information and developments are available from the Helpline, details of which are given at the end of this guide.

What is the PETS Scheme?

PETS (short for Pet Travel Scheme) is the scheme which will allow some pets to enter the UK from certain countries without the need to go through quarantine. This means that owners will be able to take these pets on holiday with them, subject to the conditions of the scheme.

When did the scheme start?

The PETS pilot scheme started on 28 February 2000.

Which animals are included in the scheme?

This scheme currently covers only cats and dogs and does not apply to other pets.

Which countries are included in the scheme?

An initial list of the countries from which pets will be allowed to enter under the scheme is given below. However, more countries may be added in due course (such as other rabies free islands) and travel may also be possible to and from Australia and New Zealand for dogs providing assistance to the disabled. Up to date information is available from the Helpline.

• Andorra, Austria,
• Belgium,
• Canada
• Denmark,
• Finland, France, (France excludes the French Overseas Departments.)
• Germany, Gibraltar, Greece.
• Iceland, Italy.
• Liechtenstein, Luxembourg.
• Monaco.
• Netherlands, Norway (Norway excludes Svalbard).
• Portugal, (Portugal includes the Azores and Madeira).
• San Marino, Spain, (Spain includes the Canary Islands, but excludes Ceuta & Melilla), Sweden, Switzerland.
• United States of America
• Vatican.

Pet cats & dogs entering the UK from other countries will still have to go through quarantine as before.

Can pets travel by any route?

No, only certain routes will be available for pets to enter the UK under the PETS pilot scheme. Full details of all allowed routes have not yet been announced but will include Calais to Dover sea crossings, Eurotunnel Shuttle Services, certain sea routes from France to Portsmouth and certain air routes from Europe to Heathrow. Further details will be announced in due course and will be available from the Helpline.

What are the conditions of the scheme?

1. The pet must have a permanent microchip implanted (this must be in place before vaccination) which ideally should meet ISO specifications so that it can be read by any standard microchip reader.
2. The pet must be vaccinated against rabies using an approved vaccine such as Nobivac Rabies (boosters must be given at the recommended intervals).
3. The pet must have a blood sample tested at an approved laboratory. This will usually be done about 30 days after the pet is vaccinated.
4. The pet cannot be brought into the UK until 6 months after the blood sample was taken unless it was resident in the British Isles and was microchipped, vaccinated and blood sampled prior to 28th February 2000 which was the pilot scheme start date.
5. The pet must have a MAFF PETS (Re-entry) certificate signed by an official veterinary surgeon confirming that these conditions have been met. Do not forget that some countries need additional certification or other requirements before admitting your pet so it is wise to check with your vet or local Ministry of Agriculture Animal Health Office before you travel.
6. The pet must have been treated for ticks and certain parasites (the fox tapeworm) 24-48 hrs before embarking for the UK and a certificate obtained from an official veterinary surgeon confirming this.
7. You will need to sign a declaration stating that your pet has not been outside any of the qualifying countries in the six months before re-entering the UK.

What happens if my pet fails the blood test?

It is inevitable that a very small proportion of pets will fail the blood test; if this should occur the pet will need to be revaccinated and re-tested.

What checks will be carried out when I bring my pet into the UK?

Before entering or re-entering the UK, the transport company will check the pet's microchip and certification (for vaccination, blood test and parasite treatment and the owner declaration). There will also be Ministry of Agriculture spot checks.

What happens if the check reveals that my pet does not meet the requirements?

Any pet that does not meet the requirements of the scheme will be returned to the country of origin or placed in quarantine. It is therefore recommended that, if you are taking your pet on holiday, the requirements are checked before you leave the UK then only the parasite treatment and certification need to be obtained before you return.

Will my pet need to be blood tested each time it re-enters the UK?

No, if the pet is given boosters according to the vaccine manufacturers' recommendations then no retesting is required.

How can I prepare my pet for the scheme?

If you wish to travel with your pet using the scheme, it is wise to discuss your plans with your veterinary surgeon as early as possible. Remember that not all holiday destinations welcome pets and not all holidays are suitable for pets so do your research well before making plans. To prepare for your pet to travel under the scheme you can:

1. Have your pet microchipped.
2. Have your pet vaccinated against rabies.
3. Have your pet blood tested to confirm that the specified antibody level has been reached (usually done one month after the vaccination).

Your veterinary surgeon will be able to advise on the best timing of vaccination and blood testing bearing in mind your travel plans and will also be able to give your pet a thorough health check and advice on the considerations of traveling with your pet.

Further information is available from the PETS Helpline:

Tel:	0870 241 1710 (9-5 weekdays)
Fax:	020 7904 6206
E-mail:	pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

D.E.F.R.A. website: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm