What is the PETS Travel Scheme?
The Pets 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 conditions of the scheme. It also allows animals the freedom to travel abroad on holiday with their owners (subject to country and route of travel). For a pet to be eligable for a passport they must be at least 3 months of age, microchipped, vaccinated against Rabies and blood tested for rabies immunity levels.
It is critical that 21 days after the Rabies vaccine has been given a blood test is taken to measure the animals immunity against Rabies, not all animals meet the specified levels and may require a further Rabies vaccination to boost their immunity before repeating the blood test. Once your animal has successfully met all these criteria then they will be issued with a passport, although there is a 6 month waiting period from the date that the Rabies blood test was taken before your animal will be allowed to travel.
The Pet Travel Scheme insists that the Rabies booster vaccinations should be given according to the data sheet of the particular vaccine used. Our surgery uses Intervet Nobivac Rabies vaccine which requires a 3 yearly booster. This MUST be given either before or on the day that the vaccine is due. Should this elapse then Defra insist that the blood testing and 6 month waiting period must be completed again.
NB:- Some countries require more frequent Rabies vaccination therefore it is important to check the requirements of the destination country.
For further information on the PETS travel scheme please call the Defra PETS helpline on 0870 241 1710 or visit the DEFRA website.