Pet passport for cats and dogs

If you are thinking of travelling within Europe with your cat or dog, or travelling to another country which is included in the UK passport scheme, the following procedures apply.  (Further details are available on the DEFRA “travelling with pets” website).

Requirements for a passport

• Your pet needs to be microchipped, or the existing microchip checked, and then given a vaccine against rabies.
• A blood sample is taken 14 days after the initial rabies vaccination to test that the vaccine has been effective.  It usually takes between 2-4 weeks to get the results.
• If the blood test has a positive result, then a passport can be issued.  Your pet cannot return to the UK until 6 months from the date of the blood test.
• If the blood test is not successful then your pet will have to have a further vaccination and blood test, until the result is positive.

On return to the UK

• Your pet needs to be checked, 24-48 hours before your check in time at the ferry terminal; airport or channel tunnel by a Government licensed Veterinary Surgeon in the Country from which you are returning. The animal needs to be wormed and to have a flea/tick preparation applied by the vet.  The vet MUST fill this information in on your passport.
• This information is checked before you leave by the Port Officials, and can be checked on arrival in the UK.

Leaving the UK and not returning

Your pet will still need to have the microchip and rabies vaccination for travelling to Europe.   Your pet cannot travel until 21 days after the vaccination is given.  A passport will be issued so you can leave the country. 

If you decide at a later date that you would like to return with your pet, then you will have to have the blood test taken and wait for the six months before being allowed to return.

Please contact the surgery if you are planning on travelling to a Country other than those covered by the Pet Passport so we can obtain the up to date information/requirements you will need for travelling with your pet.

To maintain your passport

The rabies vaccination is licensed for three years, but must be revaccinated on the day or before the due date in the passport otherwise the passport becomes invalid.  The vaccination can be done either in this country or the country you are residing in.  The vaccines are licensed for different periods of time in each country. 

Other information

Animals should be protected from ticks and heartworm whilst visiting Europe. Ideally, treatment should be started 8 weeks before leaving the UK and should continue on return. Please ask surgery staff for the relevant information. 

Animal diseases which also affect human health

There are four main exotic diseases related to animals travelling to Europe which affect animal and human health.
 
1. Leishmaniasis -       Spread by sandflies
                                         Present in Europe, Middle East and many tropical countries
                                         Organism can cause disease in humans.

2. Babesiosis  -            Disease of cattle and other mammals
                                         Transmitted by ticks
                                         Present worldwide, including in some areas of UK and mainland Europe, and particularly in southern France.

3. Heartworm -              Adult worms live in the heart and blood vessels.
                                         Dogs most commonly infected – but cats and ferrets can
                                         Transmitted by mosquitoes
                                         Mainly in hot countries – including France and Spain
                                              
4. Ehrlichiosis -             Affects dogs, horses and people
                                         Transmitted by ticks
                                         Occurs in North Africa and several European countries.