The Pet Travel Scheme
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries, and return with them to the UK. They can also, having taken their dogs, cats and ferrets to certain non-EU countries, bring them back to the UK without the need for quarantine. The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.
Rules for EU member countries and approved non-EU member countries:
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- Pet Passport
- Allowed to travel after 21 days
- Tapeworm treatment required coming back into the UK; more than 1 day and less than 5 days before entering the UK
- Tick treatment no longer compulsory, but strongly recommended
- Arrange for your pet to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route
Rules for non-approved countries:
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- Blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination
- Get pet travel documentation (an official third country veterinary certificate)
- Can travel 3 months after blood sample was taken
- Tick treatment coming back into UK not required, but still advisable
- Tapeworm treatment coming back into the UK still required; more than 1 day and less than 5 days before entering the UK
- Arrange for your pet to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route
To be properly prepared please follow these links for the latest information available:
Requirements for taking your pets abroad