Pet Travel Scheme
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the
system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries
to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules.
It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and
ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries, and return with
them to the UK. They can also, having taken their dogs, cats and
ferrets to certain non-EU countries, bring them back to the UK without
the need for quarantine. The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other
diseases.
The European regulation which sets the rules for dogs,
cats and ferrets to travel between European Community countries
and into
the Community from other countries also covers the movement
of other pet animals:
It is against the law in Great Britain to possess certain types of animals and meeting the requirements of PETS will not change that.
For details on importing commercially traded animals contact Animal Health on 01245 358383 or e-mail: AHITChelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
Defra is carrying out a review of UK rabies policies.Dogs, cats and ferrets
The UK does not permit the import of dogs, cats and ferrets that have not been vaccinated against rabies. Once they have reached the minimum age for vaccination (as stated on the vaccine manufacturer's datasheet) they must be prepared in accordance with all the requirements explained on this website, taking account of the required order of preparation.
PETS only applies to dogs, cats and ferrets travelling between the UK and certain countries and territories. Dogs, cats and ferrets must not have been outside any of these countries in the 6 calendar months before entering the UK.
Before travelling, you must make sure that your pet cats and dogs (including assistance dogs) or your ferret meets all the rules of the Scheme.
Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK under PETS may only do so on certain sea, air and rail routes.
Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK from non-qualifying (unlisted) countries must spend 6 months in quarantine on arrival.
- Poster: Travelling
with pets?
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Background
PETS was introduced for dogs and cats travelling from certain European countries on 28 February 2000. The Scheme was extended to Cyprus, Malta and certain long haul countries and territories on 31 January 2001. Bahrain joined on 1 May 2002. Mainland USA and Canada joined on 11 December 2002. The EU Regulation on the movement of pet animals extended the Scheme to include ferrets, increased the number of qualifying (listed) countries and introduced an EU pet passport and third country veterinary certificate which replace the pets certificate and the tick and tapeworm certificate. For travel to France, the passport also replaces the PETS 5 certificate. It also replaces the export health certificate for travel to other EU countries.
- Procedures for vets (dogs, cats and ferrets)
- The number of cats and dogs entering England under PETS each month.
- Make sure your trip goes smoothly
- Contacts
- Background information
- Fact sheets
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Page last modified: August 13, 2007