Pets passports

Just like you, your pet cannot travel abroad on the Scheme unless it has a passport.  The new EU Pets Passport replaces the old PETS 1 certificate that some of you may already have or have heard about. Those certificates issued before 1 October 2004 can be used until they expire.

If you are new to the Scheme, there are a number of procedures that must be carried out in strict order before you can obtain a Passport for your guide dog.

Step 1: Get your dog microchipped

Most guide dogs will have already been fitted with a microchip, but it is worth checking with your veterinary surgeon that it conforms to ISO (International Standards Organisation) Standard microchips meeting specifications 11784 or Annex A of ISO Standard 11785.

Step 2: Get your dog vaccinated

You must get your dog vaccinated against rabies - any vet can carry out this procedure.  This can only be done once your dog has been fitted with a micro-chip.

Step 3: Arrange a blood test

You must arrange a blood test after vaccination to make sure the vaccine has given a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.  Blood tests can only be carried out by approved laboratories, which your vet should take care of.

Once the above steps have been carried out, you can obtain a Pets Passport. Passports are issued by a government-approved vet, otherwise known as a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI). Your local surgery should have a resident LVI.

The six-month rule:

You must wait 6 months after the date that your vet took the blood sample that led to a successful test result, before entering or re-entering the UK.  This means that you can travel abroad as soon as you receive your Pets Passport, as long as you don't intend to return to the UK within the 6-month period.  If you are only planning a short holiday, this must be arranged so that your return date falls outside the 6-month period.

Before re-entering the UK:

Between 24 and 48 hours before you check-in for your journey to the UK, your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm. If you have a PETS 1 Certificate you will also need to get an official certificate of treatment from the vet. If you have a new EU Pets Passport, the tick and tapeworm treatment will be recorded in the appropriate section. Any vet qualified to practice in a PETS qualifying country can carry out the treatment and issue an official certificate.