What is the Pets Travel Scheme?
Passports for Pets (PETS) is a scheme whereby your dog, cat or ferret can travel freely through EU countries provided that he has been through a series of vaccination procedures.
In order, this involves microchipping, rabies vaccination and a blood test to show that the rabies vaccine has been effective.
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What is a Microchip?
This is a Chip with a unique identification number that is inserted painlessly under the skin in the neck area. It can be read by a Microchip Reader. It is used to identify the pet on the passport and must be inserted before the first rabies vaccine. The microchip must be read when the pet is given the rabies vaccine and the number recorded.
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How do I get a Passport for my Pet?
Follow the procedures listed here. Briefly, in order, they are:
- microchip with date recorded
- read microchip, vaccinate with rabies vaccine with date recorded
- read microchip, blood test to establish effectiveness of the vaccine
- your vet will then issue you with a EU pet passport
- six months from date of the successful blood test your pet is free to enter the UK
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When is the Passport Valid?
The Passport becomes valid for entry into the UK six months after the successful blood test. It remains valid as long as all rabies booster vaccinations are given by the correct re-vaccination date. There is no need for any further blood tests provided all boosters are given at the correct time.
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Will the Passport Allow me into Countries other than the UK?
Yes. Your pet can enter other EU countries 21 days after completion of the primary vaccination course. Check with individual countries as although this is Europe-wide it takes time for all Member States to amend their import legislation.
In addition, it is valid for entry to countries which issue the EU Pet Passport that are not members of the EU. Currently these are Gibraltar, San Marino, Norway and Switzerland.
In all these countries the Passport has replaced the Animal Health Export Certificate.
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What Happens When the Passport is Full?
Apply to your vet for a new one.
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What if I Lose the Passport?
Apply to your vet for a new one. Take your pet together with his vaccination record and blood test result, both of which should show your pet's microchip number.
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What is a Third Country Official Veterinary Certificate?
This is certification of successful vaccination against rabies and is issued by your vet in non-EU countries. It allows entry to any EU country.
How Long is a Third Country Official Travel Certificate Valid?
It is only valid for entry to the EU for four months after it was signed or until the "valid until" date shown in Part IV, whichever is earlier.
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Can it be Converted into a Passport?
If you are in Europe when the Certificate expires you can apply to a vet for a European Pet Passport. You must supply the original vaccination record and blood test result or certified copies.
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