Taking Pets Abroad

If you would like to travel abroad with your dog, cat or ferret the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) could help you to understand procedures to help you avoid long quarantine periods upon your arrival back in the UK.

PETS is also applicable to guide dogs and hearing dogs.

Most European Union (EU) countries and many outside the EU have joined PETS. The scheme has been put in place to stop the spread of disease such as rabies whilst still allowing pets to travel.

There has not been a case of Rabies in the UK for a number of years but some animals are still at risk in other countries.
In order to protect the UK, an animal entering has to spend 6 months in quarantine unless they meet all of the conditions of the PETS scheme.

To be eligible for the scheme your dog, cat or ferret must:

• be fitted with a microchip
• be vaccinated against rabies
• wait 21 days from the date of their first rabies vaccination before travelling to another EU country
• not have visited any non-approved countries or territories for at least six months before they enter or enter the UK 

Cats and dogs must also:

• be blood tested with a satisfactory result by an EU approved laboratory and wait 6 months from the date the sample was taken before re-entering the UK

You must also ensure the dog, cat or ferret:

• has a pet passport issued by their vet
• is treated by a vet for tapeworm and ticks, no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before checking in with a PETS-approved carrier

Travels into the UK on a PETS-approved sea, air or rail route - you will need to book this in advance as there are only a certain number of carriers and you will be served on a first come, first served basis (assistance dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin with their owner on certain approved routes)

Please note that Pet travel rules are changing. From 1st January 2012 pet travel rules are changing so you will have to meet different criteria if you are travelling on, or after this date.