Changes to the Pet Travel Scheme across the UK in 2012

By Eye Magazine published 8 February, 2012 No Comments

1st January 2012 saw changes to the Pet Passport regulations across the UK meaning travelling with your pet to certain countries is more relaxed and easier than before.

The Changes in regulation have been made so that the UK legislations come in line with the rules followed by the rest of the EU.

If you and your pet are visiting any EU member states or listed third countries that the EU do not consider a high danger for rabies (such as the USA, Australia or Japan) then the following rules and procedures for your pet must follow:

Vaccinations againsts Rabies are neccessary
Your pet must have been microchipped
Your pet requires either an animal passport or an Official Vetinary Health Certificate

The Following rules have now been changed for the above countries listed:

On your return to the UK treatment for ticks is no longer neccessary (but still strictly recommended)
Treatment against tapeworm is required up to 5 days before returning to the UK and your pets passport must be stamped by the foreign Vet dealing with your animal
The period upon returning to the UK which you can go without requiring quarantine has been reduced from 6 months to 21 days

Non-listed third countries (such as China,India and South Africa) which have a higher risk of rabies have the following new rules and regulations:

On your return to the UK treatment for ticks is no longer neccessary (but still strictly recommended)
Treatment against tapeworm is required up to 5 days before returning to the UK and your pets passport must be stamped by the foreign Vet dealing with your animal
Your pet no longer requires compulsory UK quarantine for 6 months if certain procedures have been met:

Your pet has been microchipped
Your pet has a passport
Your pet has been vaccinated against rabies
Your pet has had a blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination showing an adequate response to the vaccines

Although tick treatment is no longer required for your pet under the new regulations, it is encouraged that you still maintain regular tick treatment on your pet whilst abroad to prevent cases of foreign tick bone entering the country and spreading new diseases.

It is recommended that you still treat your pets regularly with prescribed tick treatment such as Effipro (for cats) & Advantix (for dogs).

Any new ticks spotted on pets must be identified to your vet immediately so that new diseases can be notified and identified.

Although these new regulations run w0rldwide it must be noted that they are only to be followed by people leaving and re-entering the UK.

Other countries have their own pet regulations so it is important that you check out what must be followed before you travel.

Visit the DEFRA website for more information