Cats

Passports For Pets

Passports for Pets

This guide concerntrates on travel by ferry for Dogs and Cats abroad, and to help you plan ahead for travelling, however you must allow at least 8 months beforehand to get the vaccination and documents required.  Here are some steps below to help and guide you through the process.

Step 1 Your pet must be micro-chipped with a chip conforming to ISO standard, your vet will do this, also your pet must be at least 3 months old before having the anti-rabies vaccination.  Approximate cost for a micro-chip £20.

Step 2 Your vet vaccinates your pet against rabies using an approved serum, ensure that full details, including the serum batch number is entered on your pets vaccination record, approximate cost £33.

Step 3 You must allow 30 days to pass to allow the necessary rabies anti-bodies to develop, then take your pet back to the vet for a blood test, note down the date as the vet will inform you of the results in 2-3 weeks.  Approximate cost £50.

Step 4 Please note that your pet is eligible for re-entry to the UK 6 months after the date of the blood test.

 Step 5 Ask you vet for a PETS 1 certificate, this form is often called the Pets Passport, it can be issued any time after a successful blood test result.  If you leave it until nearer the time you travel abroad allow at least a week, your vet may need to see the vaccination record and will normally charge a consultation fee for issuing the form, once issued it is valid for 2 years from the date the blood test was taken.  You will also need a PETS 5 form to travel to France which your vet can issue.

 Step 6 Once you have chosen your ferry route, your pet can only travel in the vehicle and must remain in it throughout the voyage, however you can always go and check on your pet with a member of crew, and make sure that your pet is comfortable and has plenty of air and water.

Step 7 Very important to remember is that you will need to visit a vet abroad for your pet, and must get an obligatory tick and worm treatment between 24 and 48 hours before you board for your return travel.  There is no leeway on these times and you won’t be able to travel if you fall outside them, so plan in advance and locate a vet where you are going and remember to confirm their opening hours, and closure.

Step 8 It is advisory also to treat your pet with Frontline against fleas and ticks a day or two before you travel, ticks are quite common in France.

 Step 9 When departing UK or France, allow extra check-in time as the pets procedure takes longer than normal, at the check-in your pet remains in the car whilst the staff scans and checks that the micro-chip number corresponds with the certificate, they will then give back the certificate to you.

 Step 10 Don’t forget your pet must have treatment before leaving France against ticks, the vet will put drops onto your pets neck, and give a tablet, then the vet will give you a signed form confirming the date, time, and where the treatment took place.  Make sure that you arrive at your check-in so that you can board between 24-48 hours after the above treatment.  If you miss it the treatment must be done again and you will have to wait until another 24 hours before you can travel.

For further infomation call the Pets Helpline 0870 241 1710 (8.30-5pm weekdays) or check with Defra www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm, or contact your vet for full details, and then Bon Voyage.