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The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
It is now possible to take your
pet abroad with you to certain destinations in the knowledge that
as long as you have prepared properly you will be able to bring
your pet home without it having to go into quarantine. The Pet
Travel Scheme (as it is known) does, however, require a fair amount
of planning as well as cost, and is probably only suitable for
those who regularly spend a large amount of time out of the country
each year. Detailed information regarding the scheme can be obtained
from DEFRA in Taunton by ringing (01823) 337922 or by
visiting the
DEFRA website.
Below is a summary of the scheme:
1. The first thing to do is to get your pet micro chipped. We
offer this service, ring and make a double appointment.
2. Next comes rabies vaccination. Pets travelling abroad cannot
be rabies vaccinated until they are micro chipped but we can do
both at the same consultation.
3. Although it is not strictly required for your pet to travel
we recommend that your pet receives a second rabies vaccination
at 2-4 weeks after the first. This is more likely to confer the
level of immunity required for your pet to travel.
4. Your pet must next be blood tested to ensure adequate levels
of antibodies against rabies. Blood testing is performed at the
surgery from 30 days after the second injection. The blood sample
is sent off to the Central Veterinary Laboratory at Weybridge and it usually
take 3 weeks to get a result.
5. Pets cannot return to the UK until 6 months after the blood
sample was taken. This means that from the first injection of
rabies vaccine being given to actually being able to return with
your pet to this country takes about 8 months.
6. Before travelling, a further appointment is made with us
to complete the re-entry certificate (the pet passport) which
will allow your pet to return to the UK. At this time we can also
complete any other paper work such as the export certificate which
is required by the country of destination. All this paperwork
will require a half hour appointment.
7. To maintain levels of immunity against rabies a booster
vaccination is required every year. No further blood tests are required as long
as vaccination is kept up to date. New PETS certificates can be used as required
8. Between 24 and 48 hours prior to your
return to the UK your pet will need to be treated for tapeworms and ticks using
a recommended product. It is therefore wise to get to know a vet in your country
of destination who can carry this out for you (it requires a veterinary
certificate).
9. It is obviously important to keep your
pets regular vaccinations up to date and many countries in Europe will not
accept the animals unless this is the case. It is the owners responsibility to
comply with any health requirements in the country of destination. DEFRA will be
able to provide this information. There are other diseases prevalent in
Europe that we do not normally see in the UK which your pet will have no
immunity to. In some cases preventative treatments are required for these that
are not covered by the PETS travel scheme. Please contact the surgery if in any
doubt.
The estimated total price for micro chipping, rabies vaccination,
blood testing and completion of the re-entry certificate is approximately
£200.
If you are planning to take your animal abroad with you contact
DEFRA
for the latest details and then book a double
appointment with us. (Frome 01373 452225, Warminster 01985 213350 or
Trowbridge 01225 754021)
