Client Factsheets / Pet Travel Scheme
It is now possible for pets (dogs cats and ferrets) to travel to various countries without going into quarentine. However, pets need to have a passport which records their protection against rabies. It can take upto 7 months for a passport to become valid, so it is important to plan ahead.
The process is :
- Microchip implantation. Many pets are already chipped so this step can be skipped as long as the chip is readable. The chip acts as a permanent identification for your pet.
- Rabies vaccination. In most cases a single rabies vaccination is sufficient although in very young or older animals the vet may recommend 2 vaccinations at a 2 week interval
- Blood test. This is taken around 28 days after the rabies vaccination. This checks that there is sufficient protection against rabies from the vaccine.
Issue of the Passport
The passport is issued when the results of the blood test are known. This normally takes around 3 weeks. However it is important to remember that although your pet can leave the country as soon as the passport is issued, they cannot return to the uk until 6 months from the date of the blood test.
Returning to the UK
Between 24 and 48 hours before return to the UK, pets must be treated with a tick and tapeworm product by a vet, and the passport signed to certify the treatment. Most French Vets are happy to do this (ask for an English speaking vet at Tourist Information), but you have to plan ahead.
Maintaining the Pet Passport
The only requirement to keep the passport valid is that the pets must have a rabies vaccination booster before the previous vaccination expires. This will vary with vaccine manufacturer, but currently is 3 years with the Intervet Nobivac Rabies vaccine used at Bollington Vets.
More Information can be found at www.defra.gov.uk.
The veterinary surgeons are all Official Veterinary Surgeons, enabling us to issue pet passports. If you need any more information please contact the practice.