The Pet Travel Scheme
The entry rules for pets entering the UK from qualifying EU and non-EU countries and territories have changed making it much
easier for you to take your dog or cat on holiday. If you are unsure about the new current rules of new Pet Travel Scheme
please speak to your usual vet or contact the PETS Helpline: 0870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 08.30 to 17.00 UK time)
Please note that pets are still required to travel only with an Approved Carrier and only on an Approved Route.
Read this Defra link about What pet owners need to do - 'How to bring your pet dog or cat into or back into the UK under PETS'
and also read our page with information and tips on preventing some important diseases in your pet when abroad.
The tables below give you a summary of the changes that are current right NOW:
Entry rules for pets entering the UK from qualifying EU countries and territories - (e.g. from France)
What has to be done |
from 1st January 2012 |
Microchip (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Rabies vaccination (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Pet Passport (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Blood test (dogs and cats) |
Not required any more |
Pre-entry waiting period (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Length of waiting period before entry into UK (dogs and cats) |
21 days after vaccination for Rabies |
Tick treatment (dogs and cats) |
Not required any more |
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) |
24-120 hours before arrival |
Current qualifying EU countries and territories include:
Austria, Azores, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Islands Ceuta, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guyana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Melilla, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Entry rules for pets entering the UK from qualifying non-EU countries
What has to be done |
from 1st January 2012 |
Microchip (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Rabies vaccination (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Blood test (dogs and cats) |
Yes blood test for Rabies antibody at least 30 days after vaccination for Rabies |
Documentation (third country certificate) (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Pre-entry waiting period (dogs and cats) |
Yes still required |
Waiting period before entry to the UK (dogs and cats) |
3 months wait in the country of origin after the Rabies antibody blood test |
Tick treatment (dogs and cats) |
Not required any more |
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) |
24-120 hours before arrival |
Current qualifying non-EU countries and territories include:
Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, BES Islands, Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Croatia, Curacao, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russian Federation, St Helena, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre & Miquelon, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Saint Maarten, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, USA (mainland), Vanuata, Vatican, Wallis & Futuna.
An EU Pet Passport is not required when traveling directly between the Channel Islands and the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
If you're planning on taking your pet abroad you will have to comply with the requirements depending on your destination.
On returning to Guernsey you must make sure that your pet has a passport that complies with the Pet Travel Scheme before you travel. The scheme sets out what requirements are needed for your pet to be able to enter or return to the Island.
For more information contact your local vet or the PETS Helpline: 0870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 08.30 to 17.00 UK time)