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Pet Passports Taking Your Pet On Holiday
Travelling with your pets can be exciting for many owners, Pet Passports have made it easier for taking your cat or dog on holiday with you.
We have put together a guide with what is required for your Pet Passport below:
Firstly, we would like to point out with the current Brexit situation, there may be changes to the Pet Passport scheme in the near future. Please check the after Brexit pet travel page for updates.
If you have any concerns or questions our veterinary team are here to help.
Frequently asked questions regarding Pet Passports
Which countries can pets travel to with a Pet Passport?
EU countries and listed non-EU countries are approved for travel. Unlisted countries tend to be more complicated than the regular Pet Passport so ensure you check the requirements for that Country. List of EU countries and listed non-EU countries.
Does my pet need any injections etc to travel?
For your pet to travel they require the following:
- Valid Pet Passport
- A microchip implanted (this must be implanted before or at the same time your pet has its rabies vaccination)
- Must be 15 weeks old or over at the time of travel
- Vaccinated against rabies
- Treated for tapeworm to return to the UK (applies to dogs only)
More rules apply if your pet is to be rehomed or sold in the UK when brought in from abroad.
How soon do I need to get a Pet Passport before travel?
You cannot cross into the EU or return to the UK until 21 days after your pet’s first rabies vaccination or re-start rabies vaccine if they lapsed. Therefore it is best to ensure you have the passport at least a month prior to travel. Please note it can take time for us to issue a passport, especially during the holiday season.
When booking an appointment at our Veterinary centre it is important that you tell the staff what you are coming in for, to ensure you are seeing the correct Vet qualified to issue passports.
What do I need to check before I travel with my pet?
- Make sure your pet has an up to date passport, and that it contains all the required information and is signed by a Vet.
- Ensure their rabies vaccination has not expired beyond the “Valid to” date recorded in the Passport. If it has, ensures they have a booster if required. A 21-day wait would ensue again before travel.
- Check your travel company allows pets. Not all companies accept pets. Some only accept pets if they are caged and meet certain requirements. Ensure you clarify the pets’ travel arrangements with the airline, ship or train to ensure all goes smoothly.
- Long term medication – make sure you have the required amount to cover your journey prior to travel. Preventative parasite treatments are recommended for pets travelling abroad. Dogs also require tapeworm treatment which should be given to them by a Vet before they are allowed to re-enter the United Kingdom. The tapewormer must be provided by the vet in the country where it is being administered. The vet must record the administration in the Passport.
- Most pets travel as cargo on the journey. Assistance dogs are usually allowed to travel with the owner. Please check as other rules apply.
Finally, if you require more information on pet passports or travel please visit the www.gov.uk
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