KEY NOTES

The PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS) began on the 28th February 2000 and allows dogs and cats to enter the United Kingdom from approved European countries without having to spend a 6 month period in quarantine. In addition, owners may travel with their pet throughout the approved countries.

The approved countries are:

• ANDORRA
• AUSTRIA
• BELGIUM
• DENMARK
• FINLAND
• FRANCE (excludes the French Overseas Departments and Territories)
• GERMANY
• GIBRALTAR
• GREECE
• ICELAND
• ITALY
• LIECHTENSTEIN
• LUXEMBOURG
• MONACO
• NETHERLANDS
• NORWAY (excludes Svalbard)
• PORTUGAL (including Azores and Madeira)
• SAN MARINO
• SPAIN (includes the Canaries, but not Ceuta and Melilla)
• SWEDEN
• SWITZERLAND
• VATICAN

The animal must meet certain criteria to qualify for the PETS Scheme; these are as follows:

1. Be fitted with a microchip (that meets ISO specification). NB This must be performed prior to inoculation against rabies.
2. Be vaccinated against rabies. The primary course is 2 injections given 2-4 weeks apart.
3. Be blood tested 30 days after the second vaccination to establish that the pet has a satisfactory rabies antibody titre. Pets that fail the blood test will require revaccination and a repeat blood test.
4. A six month waiting period is necessary after receipt of successful blood test results before the pet may travel under the scheme. (The animal may leave the country immediately, but cannot return until the 6-month period is up).
5. A PETS certificate may then be issued by a government-authorised vet (Local Veterinary Inspector or LVI).
6. Some countries require a separate health certificate to establish that the animal meets the health criteria deemed necessary.

In order for an animal travelling under the PETS Scheme to re-enter the United Kingdom, the following are necessary:

1. A veterinary certificate stating that the animal has been treated against ticks and tapeworms 24-48 hours prior to departure for the UK.
2. A signed declaration that the pet has not been outside of the PETS countries.

Further information is available from:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm
Pets Helpline (0870) 2411