PETS: Dogs
and cats - different procedures for France, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and
Poland
Tattooing and microchipping in France, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Poland
In order for pet dogs, cats and ferrets to qualify for entry to the UK under PETS, they must, in this order, be fitted with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies, and then blood tested to show the vaccine has provided a certain level of anti-bodies.
In France, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Poland (pedigree dogs only), however, there has been a different system for identifying dogs and cats.
France
When the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) started, French veterinary surgeons were only permitted to microchip PETS after they had first been tattooed with a unique number, then vaccinated against rabies and then successfully blood tested. The tattoo number had to be registered on a national database. The owner's copy of the registration document was sent to the database and a copy was returned to the owner with the tattoo number on it.
In view of this system, the British authorities changed the law to accept as PETS compliant those French-resident dogs and cats that have first been tattooed, then vaccinated against rabies, blood tested at a recognised laboratory and then microchipped, provided that the vet has seen the registration document showing the tattoo number.
The French authorities have now changed their legislation. This means that cats and dogs in France no longer have to be tattooed if they have been microchipped. Also, they may be microchipped before they are vaccinated and blood tested. This is in line with the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme. However, we understand that the microchip must conform to an ISO Standard. Animals from France still also need to meet the other requirements of the Scheme in order to enter the UK without quarantine.
Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Poland
In Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Poland (Poland for pedigree dogs only) there is a national register for dogs (but not cats), which have either been tattooed, or microchipped.
This means that dogs from Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and pedigree dogs from Poland that have first been tattooed, in accordance with national rules, and then vaccinated against rabies, blood tested at an approved laboratory and then microchipped can qualify for travel to the UK under PETS, provided that the vet has seen the registration document showing the tattoo number. Dogs from Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Poland still also need to meet the other requirements of the Scheme in order to enter the UK without quarantine.
Pets that are identified solely by tattoo do not qualify for entry to the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme. For further information, pet owners in France, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Poland (pedigree dogs only) should consult their local vet. |
Page last modified: October 11, 2006