There are two main sets of documentation to be obtained before departure. The first is a valid PETS 1 certificate (or "Pet Passport"). This will allow dogs and cats meeting certain conditions to enter the UK without quarantine. In addition many countries enforce entry restrictions on cats and dogs - you may need further documentation, usually a valid export certificate (or PETS 5 certificate for France only). Before your return your pet must must be treated for ticks and tapeworms (between 24 and 48hrs

prior to return to the UK) by an approved foreign vet who will issue a PETS 2 certificate (which you will need with your PETS 1 certificate at your point of entry into the UK). Finally note that if you are using a transport company (i.e. airline/ferry etc) a veterinary health certificate may be needed.

For export only you will require an export certificate (+/- health certificate for transport company).

Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
(Taking your pet abroad and returning to the UK / Importing pets from qualifying countries)

The PETS scheme means that dogs and cats meeting certain conditions are allowed to enter the UK without quarantine.

Only dogs and cats are eligible. All other pets are still subjected to normal quarantine regulations.

All dogs and cats entering the UK under the scheme must have been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and subsequently blood tested to assess immunity to rabies, and a PETS 1 certificate (the 'Pet Passport') issued by an approved vet to certify this.

The rabies vaccination will usually consist of a single injection which can be given after the animal is microchipped. A blood sample is then taken around 30 days after vaccination. If the results of the blood sample prove that the animal is effectively protected, it can then have a PETS 1 certificate and will be eligible to enter the UK without quarantine from a date least 6 months after the blood sample is taken (please note PETS 2 requirement below). If the level of immunity is not sufficient, a second dose of vaccine will have to be given and the blood test repeated.

Note that your pet must be treated for ticks and tapeworms before return to UK; this will require a visit to an approved vet abroad 24 to 48 hours before return to UK who issue a certificate (PETS 2 certificate) which you will need along with your PETS 1 certificate at your point of entry to the UK. 

Pets resident within the UK will continue to be able to travel freely within the UK and ROI without restriction.

You must re-enter the UK through specific ports/airports. Nearly all ferry routes are included, and many airline routes - please refer to the DEFRA website for the exhaustive list.

Once your pet has qualified for the Pet Travel Scheme, regular booster vaccination will allow the re-issue of a PETS 1 certificate without further blood tests or another 6 month wait. Cats require annual booster vaccination. Our vaccine brand requires dogs to be boosted only every 2nd year, but note that despite this some countries insist on vaccination within the last 12 months - (check with DEFRA) - as a rule we recommend annual vaccination to avoid any possible confusion and disaster at border control......

Other Requirements

Whilst the Pet Travel Scheme governs the quarantine-free return of your pet to the UK, it doesn’t necessarily qualify them to enter most foreign countries.

This includes France although this is a special case - we can issue the necessary entry certificate (PETS 5 certificate) at the same time as the 'pet passport' (PETS 1 certificate).

Before planning to take your pet abroad to any other country, whether it is permanently or for a short visit, you should contact DEFRA to find out the specific requirements stipulated by that country. If DEFRA cannot provide all the relevant information needed, they may refer you on to the foreign embassy of the country you wish to travel to. Most countries will require a specific export certificate before allowing entry to animals and DEFRA will usually send this to us. These export certificates are all different and have different requirements. Some countries require specific blood tests and treatments to be carried out prior to travel, and each certificate stipulates examination for certification at a different period before the departure date. It can be complicated so contact DEFRA in good time so we can work together to satisfy all requirements.

Note that transport companies (airlines, ferry companies etc) often request a health certificate from a vet to confirm that the animal in question is fit to travel, and may specify a time period prior to travel when the animal must be examined for this certification. They may have regulations governing suitable travel containers. Check in good time!

In summary
If you want to take your cat or dog abroad and then return to the UK -

• Have it microchipped.
• Have it vaccinated against rabies.
• Have it blood tested a month later. A six month wait will be needed after the blood is sampled before you can return to the UK with your pet.
• Check what further documentation you need to enter any foreign country visited or travelled through - a PETS 5 certificate for France, or (usually) an export certificate for other countries. Contact your local DEFRA Office regarding this.
• If using a transport company is a health certificate required?
• Visit a vet whilst abroad so that treatment for ticks and tapeworms can be given 24 to 48 hours before returning to UK. You will then be given a PETS 2 certificate to certify that this treatment has been given. You are advised to organise this prior to travelling to make sure the vet involved has the relevant certificates. Many vets near to French ports will be used to issuing these certificates.
• Remember regular vaccination to keep your pet eligible for a PETS certificate.

We can microchip, vaccinate and blood sample your pet by normal appointment.

Any further queries?
Speak to a member of staff or use these contacts -