pet-detect'sconsultant vet writes....

A brief guide to the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
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:
1.  (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!

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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)

5.  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:
Tel: 08702 411 710
(8.30am - 5.30pm Monday - Friday)
Fax: (020) 7904 6834
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
web:http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine

For more information on the Export of Cats and Dogs
Tel: (020) 7904 6347
Fax: (020) 7904 6395