Pet Passports
It has now become very easy for owners to take their pets to and from Europe when travelling. This means that the UK is at risk from a number of new animal diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans. Hence there are a number of important rules and regulations governing the Pet Passport Scheme that you must adhere to. The entire process of preparing your Pet Passport may take seven months so it is important to get organised well in advance of your holiday!
- Microchip your pet
- Rabies vaccination
- Blood sample your pet 4 weeks later, to check effectiveness of the vaccine
- If the vaccine is effective your pet may re-enter the UK six months after the vaccine
- If the vaccine is not effective another rabies vaccine is required
- Rabies booster vaccination required every two years
Once abroad, you must arrange for your pet to have treatment for ticks and tapeworms administered by a vet between 24 and 48 hours before you return to the UK. There are usually a number of vets in and around ports/airports, or you may find a local vet to use.
We also recommend that you take precautions against infection while your pet is in a foreign country. There are a number of potentially fatal diseases of dogs (and cats) that can be transmitted by sand flies and mosquitoes. It is important to use a repellent collar or spray, and to try to avoid walking your dog at dawn and dusk.
Your animal must have its rabies vaccination booster on or before the day it is due or your pet may need to have a repeat blood sample, and the process started again.
If you require any further information, just call us at the surgery, or visit the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs PETS website.