Pet Passport Fact Sheet

This fact sheet is intended as an overview of the information available on the DEFRA website. You are advised to check the DEFRA website for more detailed fact sheets and to ensure that nothing has changed before travelling. We cannot accept any responsibility for any incorrect information on this sheet.

Pet passports allow dogs and cats to travel to and from the UK, from countries within the EU and certain other non-EU countries (see list of countries at the end of this sheet). It also permits travel between EU countries.
 
Taking your pet around with you can be a rewarding experience but you should take into account several considerations before thinking about getting a passport.

Your animal should be a good traveler and in a healthy condition before considering transporting them over long distances.

They will be exposed to diseases that we don't have in the UK so get advice about the risks and how to minimize them.

There are a number of costs to take into account. The setup cost is around £190 which includes the rabies vaccination, microchip, blood test and passport. Further cost include flea and tick treatment before retuning each time to the UK, booster vaccinations (every 3 years) and carrier costs (ferries, planes and trains).

Below is a list of the steps involved in getting a passport for your pet. For reasons explained below; we advise that you start the process 8 months before the first intended trip.

The first step is to microchip your animal (if not done already) and then vaccinate them against rabies. This can be done from 12 weeks of age.

2-4 weeks later a blood test is required to check that the vaccine has worked. The results of this can take up to 4 weeks to come back. A blood test is not required for dogs and cats not planning to come back to the UK (if you are unsure if you are returning, it is advisable to get the blood test done just incase). Very occasionally some animals will fail the blood test and will have to under go steps 1 and 2 again at additional cost.

A passport can be issued once the blood sample results have been returned, or after the vaccination if no blood sample is required.

There are several requirements that need to be met once the passport has been issued.

Your animal cannot leave the UK until 3 weeks after the vaccination has been given.

Dogs and cats cannot return to the UK until 6 calendar months after the blood sample was taken. This is the reason for starting the process at least 7-8months before the intended trip.

Owners are required to get their animals treated for ticks and tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before checking in to return to the UK.  This needs to be carried out by a Veterinary Surgeon every time they come back.
Rabies boosters will need to be carried out as required (currently every 3 years with the vaccine we use). As long as the booster is given before the due date, there is no need to repeat the blood test.

Some countries will have other requirements that need to be fulfilled before you can travel to them. Please always check with DEFRA.

There are only certain allowed routes that pets can be taken on when travelling between countries. A full list can be found on the DEFRA website.

If animals are being transported by plane they will usually have to be checked by a Vet to ensure they are fit for transport within a few days of leaving. There will also be rules on what types of cages can be used. Please check with the airline.

PETS website: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

PETS Helpline: 0870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 08.30 to 17.00 UK time)

E-mail: pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk (enclose your postal address and daytime telephone number)

¹ Pets may only enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine from the Republic of Cyprus. As at October 2005, pets travelling from north Cyprus (the area north of the Buffer Zone) must be licensed into quarantine for 6 months on arrival in the UK. See the website or contact the Helpline to check for any change in this situation.
² Includes St Barthelemy and St Martin (French part of the island)
³ There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland

¹ Jamaican law as at October 2005 prevents their involvement in PETS. See the website or contact the Helpline to check for any change in this situation.

Listed countries are subject to change. For the latest situation, please see the PETS website or ring the Helpline.