pet travel scheme - new rules

Pet travel rules will change on 1 January 2012 when the UK brings its procedures into line with the European Union.

 

From 1 January 2012, the rules for bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into the UK will change.

Until then, the existing rules continue to apply for pets coming into the UK, see www.defra.gov.uk/pets

Don’t delay – find out the rules in plenty of time before you travel.

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 1 January 2012.

You are responsible for ensuring your pet meets all the rules for entering the UK.

Make sure you have had the procedures carried out in the correct order and your pet’s documentation is correctly completed. If you do not, your pet may not be able to enter the country or may have to be licensed into quarantine on arrival. This will mean delay and will cost you money.

 

Rules depend on which country you are travelling into the UK from:

• EU member states – see Part A

PART A Entry to the UK from other EU Member States and

approved non-EU countries:

For your pet to enter the UK from these countries, you must answer ‘yes’ to the

following questions:

• Is it microchipped?

• Is your pet currently vaccinated against rabies?

• Was it vaccinated after it was microchipped?

• Have you got an EU Pet Passport or Official Veterinary Health Certificate*

from your vet certifying the microchip and vaccination?

• Have 21 days passed since it was vaccinated?

• Are you travelling into the UK with your pet on an approved route?