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.
• People in the UK to take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) and certain non-EU countries, and return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine.

The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.

These rules will change on 1 January 2012 when the UK brings its procedures into line with the European Union.

Dogs, cats and ferrets

The UK does not permit the import of dogs, cats and ferrets that have not been vaccinated against rabies. Once they have reached the minimum age for vaccination (as stated on the vaccine manufacturer’s datasheet) they must be prepared in accordance with all the requirements explained on this website, taking account of the required order of preparation.

• What pet owners need to do – How to bring your pet dog or cat into or back into the UK under PETS.
• Countries and territories – PETS only applies to dogs, cats and ferrets travelling between the UK and certain countries and territories. Dogs, cats and ferrets must not have been outside any of these countries in the 6 calendar months before entering the UK.
• Routes and transport companies – Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK under PETS may only do so on certain routes.
• Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK from non-qualifying (unlisted) countries must spend 6 months in quarantine on arrival.

You are responsible for ensuring your pet meets all the rules for entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme. Make sure you have had the procedures carried out in the correct order and your pet’s documentation is correctly completed. If you do not, your pet may not be able to enter the country or may have to be licensed into quarantine on arrival. This will mean delay and cost you money.

Movement of pets between Republic of Ireland and Crown Dependencies

There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and either the Republic of Ireland or Crown Dependencies (the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)

Movement of more than five pets for competitions, shows or sporting events

The number of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) that can be moved between EU Member States – including into and out of the UK – is limited to five per person, unless you are taking part in a competition, show or sporting event.

These animals will require a specific health certificate issued by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Applications for the certificate should be made at least 10 working days prior to the date of travel. The certificate will be issued direct to your nominated Official Veterinarian (OV) for completion within 10 days of the export date.

In order to complete certification the Official Veterinarian will require:

• Evidence the animals are entered in or registered to appear in a show, event or competition.
• To undertake a clinical examination of the animals within 24 hours of travel.

Each pet you are taking to Europe will still need a completed and valid pet passport. The new certificate is not evidence your pets meets the Pet Travel Scheme rules. For more information contact the Carlisle Specialist Service Centre Export Team.

Hybrid cats and the Pet Travel Scheme

Any hybrid pet cat (including Bengals) accompanied by either a completed and valid EU pet passport or third country official veterinary certificate may be permitted to enter the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). These animals do not need to be accompanied by a pedigree certificate for the purpose of entry under PETS. From the 1 January 2012 hybrid pet cats will need to abide by the new pet travel rules.

Dangerous dogs in Great Britain

In Great Britain, it is illegal to possess certain types of dogs. If you bring one of these dogs into Great Britain, you could be prosecuted and the dog seized and destroyed. If in doubt, don’t travel with it.