PET TRAVEL SCHEME UPDATE!

In 2012 there will be a change in the Pet Travel Scheme, we're here to keep you up to date!

 

As of 1st of Jan 2012 the UK will come into line with the rest of Europe with regards the Pet Travel Scheme.  For the original press release from DEFRA here's the link:

 http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/06/30/new-rules-pet-passports/

Also you can visit:

http://animalhealth.defra.gov.uk/imports-exports/takingyourpet.html

The changes amount to (for pets coming into the UK from the EU or an approved non-EU country):

1) Pets must be microchipped.

2) Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip and hold a current rabies vaccination.

3) 21 days must have passed after the rabies vaccination.

4) Pets must travel with an EU Pet Passport or an Official Health Certificate.

5) Pets must travel on an approved route with an approved airline.

- This means that there is no longer the requirement for a blood test or for 6 months to pass after the blood test before the pet enters the UK.

In addition, pets arriving from non-approved countries now only have to wait 3 months after a blood test before they can fly into the UK.  BUT, the blood test MUST be done no less than 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

For further information, feel free to download the leaflet on the Pet Travel Scheme published by DEFRA.  As you can see from the leafet, a decision on the Tick and Tapeworm treatments has yet to be made..

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us!

Latest news from our correspondence with DEFRA-

It is confirmed that you can start preparation TODAY for coming into the UK after 1st January 2012 from a non-listed country.

VERY IMPORTANT!!!- If you have a valid pet passport, please check that there is a 30 day wait between the rabies vaccination and the blood test if you are planning to go travel to a non-listed third country with your pet.  If not, you'll have to have another blood test. IF IN DOUBT, ASK!

Coming in from EU or Non-EU listed countries, 21 days must pass after the rabies vaccination- coming in early will result in the remainder of the period being made up in quarantine.

Don't forget to keep your rabies vaccinations up to date!

NEWS: There will be a new EU health certificate issued, but there will be period at the start of 2012 when both the old and new can be used.  The certificate must be endorsed as per the specific requirements for the exporting country.

 

NEWS: Only dogs will be required to be treated for tapeworms. 

NEWS: Tapeworm treatment will need to be done between 1 to 5 days prior to ARRIVAL in the UK.

NEWS: Tapeworm treatment product details still TBC.

CONFIRMED- Tapeworm treatment, dogs only, 1-5 days prior to arrival, must contain Praziquatel.  See details here.

 

NEWS: The airlines that can fly pets into the UK has been amended too- click here for this list.  PLEASE NOTE- although the airline might fly from the airport that you would like, you will need to confirm with them if they are operating that route for pets.  There may be an aircraft type or a departure/arrival time issue.