Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme allows pet cats and dogs which are resident in the UK (or one of the other qualifying countries) to enter or re enter the UK without quarantine.

To bring your dog or cat into the UK under PETS from one of the qualifying countries, you must comply with all of the following requirements, and they should be completed in the order stated below.

Have your pet microchipped.
Have your pet vaccinated against rabies.
Have your pet blood tested (to ensure an adequate level of protection against rabies in your pet).
Get PETS documentation (for pets in an EU country – get an EU Pet Passport).
Before re-entering the UK your pet must be treated for ticks and tapeworm by a local veterinary surgeon. This should be documented in the relevant section of your pet’s passport. (24-48 hours before checking in with an approved transport company)
Arrange for your pet to travel with an approved company on an authorised route.

NB Your pet cannot re-enter the UK until 6 calendar months after the date of a satisfactory blood test. This means that if you are planning to take your dog abroad for example with you on holiday, you need to be organised well (7 months) in advance of your trip. A cat or dog can leave the country 3 weeks after the date of a rabies vaccine, but would not be able to come back until 6 months after the date of the blood test.

Puppies must be at least 3 months old to get a rabies vaccination in this scheme.

Rabies vaccination boosters must be kept up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, if the vaccine lapses (even by only 1 day!) the passport will no longer be valid and a repeat blood test would be required. Not all veterinary surgeries routinely send reminders for rabies vaccination so it is your responsibility as the owner to keep vaccines up to date. The “booster due” date will be noted in your own vaccination record or the Pet Passport by your vet.

Useful Sources of Information

To access the Defra website with information regarding the Pet Travel Scheme, click the Links button on our home page. Further details available on this web site includes PETS listed countries, approved transport companies, quarantine information for animals that do not qualify for pets, travelling with other species including ferrets and top tips to ensure that travelling with your pet is hassle free.

Pet Travel Scheme Helpline

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Area 201

1a Page Street

London

SW1P 4PQ

Telephone 0870 241 1710, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm