What Is It?

A PETS Passport allows you to take your pet on holiday with you to any country that accepts the PETS Passport scheme. It allows your pet to enter the country without the need for quarantine.

What Do I Need To Do To Get A Passport?

Step 1:  The Microchip
Your pet must first be fitted with a microchip which meets ISO standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. Dogs and cats that are identified solely by tattoo do not meet the rules of the pet travel scheme.

Step 2: The Rabies Vaccination

When to vaccinate against rabies:
Vaccinations can only take place after your pet has been microchipped and must be at least 3 months old before being vaccinated against rabies. Animals vaccinated before they have a microchip will have to be vaccinated again.

Rabies Booster Vaccinations:
After your pet has been vaccinated and blood tested with a satisfactory result they will need booster vaccinations, these must be given by the ‘valid until’ date shown on your pets passport or on the PETS certificate. Rabies vaccinations can last between 1 to 3 years depending on the manufacturer, if the date is missed, your pet will have to be vaccinated and blood tested again. The 6 month rule will apply from the date the new blood sample is taken, provided the result is satisfactory.

General Vaccinations:
In addition to the rabies vaccination it is in the best interest of your pet to ensure they are up to date with routine vaccinations.

Step 3: The Blood Test
Depending on the vaccine, 2 weeks to 30 days after being vaccinated your pet must have a blood test to make sure that the vaccine has worked, For the test to be successful the results must show that the rabies neutralising antibody are equal to or greater than 0.5iu/ml. If your pet fails their blood test they must be vaccinated and blood tested again. The 6 month rule will apply. Once your pet gets a successful result make sure your vet gives you a certified copy, showing the microchip number and the date that the blood sample was taken. Remember keep it safe.

Step 4: Certification
After your pet has been successful with the blood test you must get an EU passport, showing that your pet has been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and successfully blood tested. The passport is issued by a government authorised vet known as a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI). When you go to get your pets passport make sure you take your pets vaccination records and blood test results. The document must show your pet’s microchip number and you need to make sure the vet correctly completes sections I to V of the passport.

Using The Passport (6 Months Rule)
Once you receive your pets passport you can leave the country as soon as you wish (as soon as your pet has been treated against ticks and tapeworm see step 5). But the passport will only become valid for re-entry or entry to the UK 6 calendar months from the date your pet had their blood tested showing a successful test result. The passport will remain valid provided your pet is revaccinated by the ‘valid until’ date shown on the passport  

Step 5: Treatment Against Parasites
Ensuring that you’re pet is up to date with worming and tick treatment (in the last 3 to 6 months) is a very important step as ticks and tapeworms carry diseases which can infect other animals and humans causing illness and sometimes death. In addition your pet must be treated between 24 to 48 hours before being checked in to travel into the UK. If going abroad on a day trip your pet will need to be treated in the UK between 24 to 48 hours before it is checked in for the return journey.

Acceptable Treatments
Your pet must be treated for tapeworms with a product containing Praziquantel and they also need to be treated for ticks with a product that has a marketing authorization in the country of use and is licensed for use against ticks. Tick collars are NOT acceptable. Your vet can help you with both of these treatments.

What Do I Need To Do When I Travel?

Make Sure:

• Your pet has been microchipped
• Your pet has been vaccinated against Rabies after it was fitted with a microchip
• Your pet has been blood tested at an EU approved laboratory, 2 weeks to 30 days after being vaccinated and has a successful test result
• You have a copy of the blood test results showing the correct microchip number and the date the blood sample was taken
• A government approved vet has correctly filled in all details in sections I –V of the passport
• Your pet is up to date with treatments against ticks and tapeworms (in the last 3-6 months)

Travelling Safely:

The correct size of a container is essential when travelling; it is there to protect the animal during transport, it needs to be secure and have sufficient ventilation. The container must be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural manner. Your pet will be in the container for some time, therefore it should be as comfortable as possible. It must have a water pot and food container accessible from the outside. 

Returning To The UK

The passport will be valid to return into the UK 6 calendar months from the date the successful blood sample was taken
A vet will need to treat your pet for ticks and tapeworms 24-48 hours before being checked in for re-entry into the UK and the vet will need to correctly fill in sections VI and VII of the passport, sign and date it. 

For more information on the pet passport go to www.defra.gov.uk or you can contact the PETS helpline on 0870 241 1710. Please note: The above information that we have provided is for guideline purposes only. Please ensure that you contact DEFRA  to confirm the most recent rules as they apply to you and your pet. Animal Ark will not be held responsible for any loss or damages arising from information provided on this page.