WATKINS & TASKER    V.E.T.E.R.I.N.A.R.Y G.R.O.U.P

working closely with you to enhance your pet’s quality of life

PET PASSPORTS

THE PROCEDURE

1. Microchip
   
   The microchip is a permanent method of identification. A small chip with a unique code is inserted under the skin. This must be done before the rabies vaccination & blood test, and is done in a regular consultation without the need for sedation.
    
2. Rabies Vaccination
   
   Your pet is then given a rabies vaccination, done at the surgery during a routine consultation.
    
3. Rabies Antibody Titre Blood Test
   
   This is carried out 3 weeks after the rabies vaccination by taking a sample of your pet’s blood. The test ensures the level of protection is adequate. The blood is sent to a government approved external laboratory for testing and it usually takes about 3 weeks to get the result.
    
4. Issue of the Pet Passport
   
   We issue the Pet Passport once the satisfactory rabies result comes back to us from the lab, and once we have checked everything is in order for you. It is your responsibility to ensure the rabies vaccination is kept up to date. We can show you the repeat vaccination date on your passport.
    
5. Other Paper-Work
   
   Many of the countries participating in the pet travel scheme require a veterinary health certificate in addition to the pet passport. The health certificate is proof that the animal has been examined by a veterinary surgeon a certain amount of time before the departure date and is in a fit state to travel. Contact Defra (the Department of Farming & Rural Affairs) to confirm exactly what a specific country requires. Any additional paperwork will be forwarded directly to the practice. An import permit may also be required.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Although the pet may now leave the UK to visit qualifying countries, he or she may not return to the UK unless 6 months have passed from the date that the blood sample was taken. Therefore it is necessary to begin the procedure at least 7 months before the proposed date of travel and ensure that rabies boosters are kept up to date in the future.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Can my pet have other vaccinations at the same time as a rabies inoculation?

Yes, it is important to keep routine vaccinations up to date. Don't forget your flea, tick & worm control either!
 

What happens if the rabies antibody titre is insufficient?

The vast majority of animals ‘pass’ the blood test. In the unlikey event of a ‘fail’, your pet will need to be re-vaccinated and the blood tested again. (This will of course add on a further period of time of about 6-7 weeks before the passport can be issued).
 

Can animals other than cats & dogs partake of the pets scheme?

Currently only dogs, cats and ferrets can take part in the scheme. You will need to contact defra (see below)for import or export information pertaining to other species.
 

What arrangements do I need to make before returning to the UK?

A declaration of residency (pets 3) form must be completed which states that the pet has not been out of any of the qualifying countries in the 6 mths before embarkation. This may be obtained in advance from defra on (01737) 242242 or from us/your local veterinary surgeon. Pets 3 may also be obtained from the pets carriers at "check-in" or from the british embassies in qualifying countries. This form is to be completed on the day of return to the uk. 24-48 hrs before checking in to the UK the animal must have been treated by a veterinary surgeon against ticks & tapeworm and issued with an official certificate.
 

What if I am only going on a day trip, will I have to wait 24hrs before coming home?

No. If a short trip abroad is planned, the tick & tapeworm treatment may be administered before leaving, and the pets 2 certificate (issue of parasite treatment) completed. This is only acceptable if it is possible to administer the treatment between 24 & 48 hrs before embarkation for the return to the UK.
 

Can pets travel under the pets scheme on a private boat or plane? 

No. Only approved routes & carriers may be used. Check with the pets helpline on 0870 241 1710 as routes may change & new ones be added. In addition, you should check your proposed travel arrangements with the transport company as they may have their own conditions of travel.  

DEFRA Contact Details

To find out more information about the Pet Travel Scheme, please click the link below:

www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets

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