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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.
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.
Pet rabbits, rodents and other pets
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:
For details on importing commercially traded animals see the animal imports and exports pages. It is against the law in Great Britain to possess certain types of animals and meeting the requirements of PETS will not change that.
See also
Page last modified: November 2, 2009