| As
of 1st January 2012 there are changes to the Pet Travel
rules affecting entry or re-entry to the UK, as announced
by The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The statement on the Defra website says:
"Pet Travel rules change on 1 January 2012 when the
UK brings its procedures into line with the European Union.
From this date all pets can enter or re-enter the UK from
any country in the world without quarantine provided they
meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending
on the country or territory the pet is coming from."
These
changes will make travelling with pets cheaper and
easier. The rules on rabies vaccination for entry
into the UK will be in line with the rest of Europe.
Previously, the UK, and four other Member States were
able to enforce additional controls.
If you wish to return to the UK with your pet after
a trip abroad, or intend to bring your pet into the
UK for the first time, you need to be aware of the
changes to the UK pet entry rules that take effect
on 1st January 2012. |
|
So what do you and your vet have to do to bring your pet dog,
cat or ferret into the UK? Rules depend on which country you
are travelling into the UK from. The countries are broadly
defined as follows:
- EU member states and approved non-EU countries
- Non-approved countries (unlisted non-EU countries)
For a detailed list of countries in each category, please
visit Countries
and territories on the Defra website.
EU member states and approved non-EU countries
1) Have your pet microchipped.
2) Have your pet vaccinated against rabies. A period of 21
days must then pass after the rabies vaccination date before
entry to the UK.
3) Obtain a valid pet passport or equivalent documention (depends
on country).
4) Dogs must have tapeworm treatment. The treatment must be
administered 1-5 days before arrival in the UK.
5) Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport
company on an authorised route.
For details regarding approved transport and routes please
visit Routes
and transport companies on the Defra website.
The 1st January 2012 change to the Pet Travel rules means
that if you are travelling into the UK from EU member states
and approved non-EU countries, the above replaces the need
for a rabies blood test and the previous 6 month waiting period.
There is no mandatory requirement for tick treatment. However
in The Blue Cross guide
to new pet travel laws they advise:
"While there is no mandatory requirement for tick treatment,
we strongly urge you take precautions to prevent your dog
from picking up this parasite as it can carry some very
nasty diseases. Your vet can advise you of the best treatment
for your pet."
Non-approved countries (unlisted non-EU countries)
1) Have your pet microchipped.
2) Have your pet vaccinated against rabies.
3) Arrange a blood test at least 30 days after vaccination
to make sure the vaccine has given protection against rabies.
The length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is
3 months from the date of a blood sample that proves protection.
4) Obtain official pet travel documentation.
5) Dogs must have tapeworm treatment. The treatment must
be administered 1-5 days before arrival in the UK.
6) Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport
company on an authorised route.
For details regarding approved transport and routes please
visit Routes
and transport companies on the Defra website.
The 1st January 2012 change to the Pet Travel rules means
that if you are travelling into the UK from unlisted non-EU
countries, the above replaces the 6 month quarantine process.
Summary of changes
For entry into the UK, all pets will still need to be vaccinated
against rabies. However, pets from the EU and listed non-EU
countries will no longer need a blood test and will only
have to wait 21 days before they travel. Pets from unlisted
non-EU countries will be able to enter the UK if they meet
the criteria to ensure they are protected against rabies,
including a blood test 30 days after rabies vaccination
followed by a 3 month wait before they enter the UK.
The above information is a summary only of the basic requirements
for the most common scenarios and the Pet Travel changes that
have been made. For more details we strongly recommend you
visit and carefully read the information given on the Defra
website before travelling with your pet http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/ |
