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PETS Passport Scheme |
It is now possible to
obtain a passport to enable you to take your dog, cat or ferret to and
from the UK. The vets at St Helen's can provide you with everything needed
to enable you to travel with your pet.
Obtaining a passport for your pet takes seven months, so it is important to plan well in advance of intended travel.
The scheme is administered by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). At all stages, it is advisable to contact DEFRA either via their telephone advice line on 08702 411 710 or Web site in order to keep abreast of changes. There are a limited number of countries participating in the scheme although more are being included on a regular basis. You are permitted to travel on specific routes and using specific carriers only and exceptional regulations may apply on some ocassions.
Obtaining A Pet Passport
The first step in obtaining a passport for your pet is to check whether
the country to which you intend to travel is part of the PETS Scheme by
contacting DEFRA.
You will then need to get your pet microchipped
Once your pet has a microchip, you will need to obtain a rabies vaccination.
Microchipping and rabies vaccinations can be accomplished in a single
appointment
The rabies vaccination must be followed by a blood test to ensure that
the requisite level of rabies anti-bodies are present in your pet's
system, three weeks after the vaccination. It is essential to keep the
rabies vaccination up to date in order for your passport to remain valid.
We use a vaccination that is effective for three years, although some
countries still require vaccination annually. You should check with
DEFRA to be sure your destination country does not require vaccination
more regularly than every three years. Your pet may not enter or re-enter
the UK for six months from the date of the blood test.
Your pet must have tick and tapeworm treatment not less than twenty
four hours and not more than forty eight hours prior to entry or re-entry
into the UK. It is advisable to check whether localised, specific problems
are ocurring at your time of travel and treat your pet accordingly.
Happy Travelling!
Once you are ready to travel with your pet, whether in the UK or abroad, we will be pleased to assist you with advice and anything needed to ensure a safe and happy journey. There are a number of preparations that can calm your pet during travel (even just coming to the vet!) and we can order safe and effective travel carriers.
We can supply tick, flea and worming treatment and a sandfly collar. Please call or ask at reception for details.
Please remember that your pet can become very hot in the summer and will need a regular supply of water and sufficient breaks. Never leave animals unattended in cars, especially in hot weather.
There is now a wide range of accommodation for pets and people, be it horse, dog, cat or parrot!
Please note that the St Helens Veterinary Practice does not take responsibility for information provided on other Web sites.