EU Pet Travel Scheme

EU Pet Travel Scheme (referred to as PETS)

The EU PETS scheme enables pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine, as long as they meet the rules. Pets normally resident in the UK, may also travel to other EU countries and return without requiring quarantine.

If your pet is transported by air then it must be shipped in an IATA approved transit container (or kennel).   The following notes have been produced as a guideline to exporting your pet to an E.U Country under the PETS scheme however, you should always check with your local DEFRA office in case there are any specific Country variations.

EU Pet Travel Scheme (referred to as PETS)

Preparing your dog or cat for PETS To comply with PETS regulations you must follow the procedure listed below:

Step 1 – Have your pet microchipped – Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so it can be properly identified.

Step 2 – Have your pet vaccinated – After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination

Step 3 – Arrange a blood test – After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.

Step 4 – Get PETS documentation – For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate although note that Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports.

Step 5 – Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm - Your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.

Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company (such as passportforpets.co.uk) on an authorised route; your pet must enter the UK from a listed country, travelling with an approved transport company, on an authorised route.

Make sure you have read and understood all of this guidance before you bring your pet into or back into the UK.

There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Please note Sweden have their own requirements and you should contact your local DEFRA office for all the current regulations.