Taking Cats and dogs abroad is becoming almost commonplace. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS for short) has been
in operation for two years and the system is almost becoming smooth! Planning
ahead is vital as the process of obtaining a pet passport is not quick, taking
an average of 7-8 months. Let's take Mrs Smiths dog, Fred as an example of your
first client looking for advice on the scheme.
The protocol
is as follows:
(Your job as the implanter)
Microchip Fred using an ISO chip. Complete all the paper work and make sure it
is submitted to the PetLog register. Discuss the other requirements with the owner
about the lengthy process to follow. Not all microchips are ISO compliant so may
not be read using the ISO scanners at the ports and airports. The Pet-Detect chip
is ISO approved and is one of the most reliable and dependable on the market.
Combined with its price and history of not migrating it is an act hard to beat!
Fred is vaccinated against rabies at the local veterinary practice
- he must be at least 3 months old and depending on the vaccine used, Fred may
need a second dose one month later.
At least 30 days after the
last vaccination Fred is blood sampled to check he has developed sufficient immunity.
The results may take 3 weeks to be returned. Very few animals fail this test but
if they do they must be revaccinated and sampled again.
Once
Fred has past the blood test he can now get his Pet Passport! But he cannot use
it yet! Since the scheme operates across the whole of Europe, where rabies is
endemic; a sixth month delay is enforced here. In effect he has to spend a period
of quarantine with his owner in the UK (as would a French or Spanish dog)
Other points to make clients aware of:
Mrs Smith may need an export certificate to take Fred into some countries
as the PET Passport is for entry into the UK. Mrs Smith will need to contact DEFRA,
(number below) to check what is needed and how it is to be organised. The DEFRA
Export department is efficient and has all the latest information. As a rule it
easy to take animals to Europe and gets more difficult as you get further afield.
Some countries have other requirements so it is also sensible to
contact the embassy for the countries involved and check with them.
If
Mrs Smith intends to travel through several countries she may need several export
certificates! Do NOT Panic though - the system works well and DEFRA will sort
out what is needed.
DEFRA contact details: For information on the PET's scheme contact the PETS helpline:
