Travelling Overseas with Pets
The UK relaxed its strict quarantine laws in 2000 when the government introduced the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), commonly known as the Pet's Passport, which allows cats and dogs to leave and enter the country under certain guidelines without having to go into quarantine.
You can find comprehensive details on the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Under PETS you can take your pet (and return to the UK) to the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Vatican. Your pet must not have been outside these countries, even in transit, in the six months preceding entry to the UK.
A number of non-European countries and UK territories are also part of the Pet Travel Scheme. There is a slightly different procedure for avoiding quarantine.
Which animals qualify for the scheme?
Only pet cats and dogs (including guide dogs) can travel under the scheme. Other animals will have to enter quarantine.
Bear in mind that some breeds are classified as dangerous dogs and are banned from entering the UK – with or without a passport. These include pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brazilieros. Some of these dogs may be exempt from the Dangerous Dog Act: owners will have a certificate to prove it and will need to take this when travelling as well as all the approved PETS documentation. The dog will also have to have been neutered, micro-chipped and tattooed before travel.
Also note that if you have a dangerous dog as a pet it may not be allowed entry into another country, so it is best to check with the appropriate embassy before travelling and ensure that you carry any additional documentation that they require.
How to travel with your pet
You and your pet can travel by rail, sea or air depending on your destination and whether the route is an approved one. Most pets, apart from guide dogs, will have to travel as cargo on most aeroplanes and cannot accompany you in the cabin. If you are worried about your pet's welfare, discuss this in advance with the airline, which will have experienced staff and procedures in place.
If you are travelling by sea you usually have to take a vehicle. For example, on a ferry voyage your pet has to remain inside the vehicle for the duration of the journey (with the exception of some hovercraft that allow foot passengers with pets). Pets travelling on a private plane or boat are not allowed to enter the UK.
Certain procedures are required before your pet can travel. Prepare well in advance:
- Have your pet micro-chipped - so that it can be identified
- Have your pet vaccinated against rabies
- Have a blood test to ensure that the rabies vaccination has worked and obtain the appropriate certificate to prove this (your pet cannot enter the UK until six months after the blood sample was taken)
- You must then obtain a PETS certificate from a government-authorised vet
- Before your return trip to the UK all pets have to be checked for ticks and tapeworm by a local vet - and a certificate issued.
