PETS: Dogs and cats
Have your pet vaccinated against rabies and the 21 day wait
When to vaccinate
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the recommendation
on the vaccine manufacturer's data sheet. This can be
done any time after it has been implanted with a microchip. Before vaccinating
your pet, make sure your vet reads its microchip number and enters it
on your pet’s vaccination record.
If your pet has been vaccinated against rabies before it was identified
by a microchip, it will have to be vaccinated again. This is to make sure
that your pet is correctly identified when it is vaccinated.
The procedure for pets resident in certain countries is slightly different.
21 day wait
For EU countries where more stringent entry requirements do not apply, the EU has introduced a wait of 21 days from the date of the first rabies vaccination before a pet can enter those EU countries. However, if the vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet requires more than one vaccination to complete the primary course of vaccinations, the 21 day wait applies from the date of the final vaccination of that course. Your vet will advise you further.
Vaccination record
 |
|
Booster vaccinations
After your pet has been vaccinated, it will need regular booster vaccinations. These must be given by the "Valid until" date in section IV of the EU pet passport or third country official veterinary certificate.
Booster vaccinations are valid for entry to the UK and other EU countries from the date given provided they are given on time (according to the instructions in the vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet where the previous vaccination was given).
Since it may take time for some EU Member States to adopt this change into their import legislation, pet owners are advised to contact the authorities of the relevant EU country to confirm the appropriate timing of the rabies vaccination under their current import regulations.
Missed boosters
If the revaccination date is missed your animal will not meet the conditions of the scheme and will have to be vaccinated and, for entry to the UK, blood tested again. The 6 month rule will then apply from the date the new blood sample is taken assuming the blood test result is satisfactory. To travel to another EU country following a missed booster, the 21 day wait will apply. If your pet always has its booster on time, it will not need a further blood test, or be subject to a further 21 day or 6 months wait.
Next steps
For animals being prepared in the EU (including the UK), you can get an EU pet passport once your pet has been microchipped and vaccinated. This will allow your pet to enter most other EU countries. However to enter or re-enter the UK, and to enter Malta, and to enter Sweden and Ireland other than direct from the UK, your pet must have a blood test. Your vet will advise you on the timing of this. This can be done before you leave the UK or while you are in another qualifying country but for entering the UK the 6 month rule will apply.
Page last modified: January 2, 2007