PET PASSPORTS
A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE PET PASSPORT SCHEME
What is the Pet Passport Scheme?
This is a scheme which issues a passport allowing dogs, cats and some other mammals to visit specified countries (Notably the E.U. and North America) without having to undergo quarantine on return. It is specifically designed to allow some international travel whilst keeping Great Britain free from rabies.
How do I get a passport?
Your pet must:
- Be Microchipped for identification THEN:
- Be Vaccinated against rabies THEN:
- Be blood sampled 3 weeks later to check that the vaccine has worked. The window of opportunity is 2-4 weeks, but 3 weeks has been noted as the best time to ensure a successful result. THEN:
- Wait 6 months after a successful blood test before returning to the U.K.
PLUS:
- Be treated by a Vet against Ticks and Tapeworms 24-48 hours before returning.
How often do I have to do this?
Once your pet has been issued with a passport, the only requirement other than the tick and tapeworm treatments (every time you re-enter, 24-48 HOURS BEFOREHAND) is to maintain the rabies vaccination up-to-date. Any lapse means the whole process has to be re-started. Re-vaccination schedules depend on which vaccine is used.
“MISS BY A DAY – YOU WON’T GO AWAY”
What countries can I visit?
Defra maintain an up-to-date list of countries which are part of the PETS scheme, plus details of which carriers and routes are licensed for pet travel. Their web site is:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/index.htm
What if my pet fails the test ?
Your pet can be re-vaccinated immediately then have a further blood test. If this fails also, it is unlikely your pet will qualify for the scheme. Discuss this with your vet.
Anything Else?
The scheme is designed to prevent major risks to human health. Pets may also be exposed to other serious diseases which do not occur in the U.K., and cases have already been seen by U.K. vets. As the climate becomes warmer, there is significant risk that these diseases will establish in the UK. They include Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis and Dirofilariasis. These infections are spread by ticks or flying insects, and we recommend a package of preventive measures, particularly if travelling to warmer countries.
In order to prevent these diseases we recommend:
- Advantix or Frontline every 2 weeks to prevent ticks and repel sandflies.
- Treat with Milbemax wormer at least once or monthly throughout the visit and at least once after returning.
- Avoid walks at peak midge times – dawn and particularly dusk.
- Check for ticks every day and remove them as soon as found.
You can download these recommendations as a pdf:
Also, please ask at one of the surgeries or e-mail us for further details.