The UK Pet Travel Scheme rules are changing!
Under the new rules it will be much simpler for pet owners to travel with their pets between the UK and EU countries, as well as some listed third countries.
The new travel requirements are listed below. If your pet already has a valid passport, the changes will not affect you.
1. Pets living in the UK
Pets living in the UK will need a microchip and a rabies vaccine. They can travel freely to and from the UK 21 days following the vaccine. The rabies antibody blood test and 6 month waiting period are no longer required.
Travel is eligible to countries within the European Union, and some listed third countries (e.g. Croatia, Russian Federation, Australia). For a complete list of eligible third countries please visit the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk .
Please note that some of the listed countries participating in the pet passport scheme may still have specific entry requirements you must comply with.
Pets still need to be treated against ticks and tapeworms by a licenced veterinary surgeon 24-48h prior to landing in the UK.
2. Pets living within the EU and listed third countries
Pets entering the UK from European Union or listed third countries will need a microchip and a rabies vaccine, and may enter the UK 21 days following the rabies vaccine.
The rabies antibody blood test and 6 month waiting period are no longer required.
Pets still need to be treated against ticks and tapeworms by a licenced veterinary surgeon 24-48 prior to landing in the UK.
3. Travel to and from unlisted third countries
Currently pets entering the UK from unlisted third countries must be placed directly into a quarantine facility for 6 months following arrival into the UK.
Under thenew rules these pets will need a microchip and a rabies vaccine. A blood sample confirming an adequate rabies antibody level must be drawn at least 30 days following the rabies vaccine, and the pet may enter the UK 3 calendar months following the date of the blood test.
Pets will need to be treated against ticks and tapeworms by a licenced veterinary surgeon 24-48 prior to landing in the UK.
Rabies antibody blood test
Although the rabies antibody blood test is no longer required (unless you are travelling to unlisted third countries), we would still advise that your pet has the blood test performed before travelling.
The blood test tells us whether your pet has made enough protective antibodies following the rabies vaccine. If the antibody level is too low, your pet will not be protected against rabies, and infection with the rabies virus is untreatable and fatal.
Most at risk of not making enough antibodies are puppies and older dogs, and they may need 2 (or sometimes more) rabies vaccines in order to achieve a protective antibody level.
Please contact one of our surgeries if you need any further information, or if you wish to discuss how the rule changes apply to your pet.
