Pet Travel Scheme
On the 1st January 2012 the UK implemented changes to its pet movement rules bringing them in line with the European Union Pet Travel Scheme. The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011 allows owners to bring their pets into the UK without entering quarantine, provided they comply with certain requirements. The EC Regulation No. 998/2003 sets out the animal health requirements for the movement of pet animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) travelling within the European Community, and into the Community from non-EU countries. It also refers to importation requirements applying to rodents, domestic rabbits, birds (except certain poultry), ornamental tropical fish, invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans), amphibians and reptiles.
In order to enter the UK from within EU and listed non-EU countries dogs, cats and ferrets need to:
- Have been microchipped - this should be done before any of the other procedures for pet travel are carried out
- Be vaccinated against rabies - the vaccination should be current and done after microchipping, at least 21 days before travel
- Have an EU Pet Passport or an official third country veterinary certificate
- Have had tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival (dogs only)
- Travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route
In order to enter the UK from unlisted non-EU countries dogs, cats and ferrets need to:
- Have been microchipped - this should be done before any of the other procedures for pet travel are carried out
- Be vaccinated against rabies and passed a blood test taken at least 30 days after vaccination
- Wait 3 months after the blood test before entry into the UK
- Have a certificate issued by an official vet confirming the above steps have been taken
- Have had tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival (dogs only)
- Travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route
The current, full Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals rules are detailed on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website and should be consulted in advance of making travel arrangements.
In addition to the above-mentioned rules and according to Commission Regulation (EU) No 388/2010, pet dogs, cats and ferrets must comply with the rules laid down in Council Directive 92/65/EEC (see commercial movements within the EU), where the total number of pet animals of those species moved for non commercial purposes into a Member State from another Member State exceeds five.
Dogs, cats and ferrets meeting the necessary requirements may move between EU Member States if they are accompanied by an EU Pet Passport containing details of microchipping and a valid rabies vaccination. All member states recognise this document. Certain non-EU listed countries may also issue a passport. Pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU (including the UK) from non-EU countries require a Third Country Official Veterinary Certificate. This certificate may only be used to enter the UK when completed and issued in a non-EU country.
At present there are no approved routes directly into Scotland for the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals other than for Recognised Assistance Dogs - all pets must enter through England. Within the British Isles pets can be carried on any route subject to the transport company's agreement and conditions of carriage.
Recognised Assistance Dogs
Recognised Assistance Dogs entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme must meet all of the rules of the Scheme. On certain approved air routes assistance dogs can travel with their owner in the passenger cabin rather than in the hold as cargo. Detailed advice on travelling with assistance dogs and authorised routes for travel is available on the Defra website. http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/assistance-dogs/
Quarantine
Pet animals that do not qualify to enter the UK under the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals may not be imported into the UK unless an import licence has been issued in advance. This requires your pet to be detained, at your expense, at approved quarantine premises until they are compliant.
Movement of pets between the Republic of Ireland and the UK
Under the EU pet movement system, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between EU Member States must meet the same animal health rules. As of 1 January 2012 the requirement is that all pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to the UK should be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by a pet passport.
As both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied. Pet owners travelling with their pets should therefore not experience any change.