Quarantine and customs

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries, and return with them to the UK. They can also, having taken their dogs, cats and ferrets to certain non-EU countries, bring them back to the UK without the need for quarantine. The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.

The European regulation which sets the rules for dogs, cats and ferrets to travel between European Community countries and into the Community from other countries also covers the movement of other pet animals:

The six month rule

Your pet will not be able to enter the UK under PETS until six months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample from your pet which led to a successful test result (see below). Once the vet has signed the PETS certificate and that six month period has passed, the PETS certificate will come into force and then your pet may enter the UK.

Have your pet microchipped

It is best before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, have your pet fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.

Have your pet vaccinated

Once the microchip has been fitted your pet has to be vaccinated against rabies.

Arrange a blood test

After the vaccination, it has to be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.

Get a PETS certificate

Once these measures have been successfully completed, you will be able to have an official PETS certificate from a government authorised vet.

Before your pet enters the UK, have it treated against ticks and a tapeworm

Your pet will have to be treated against ticks and a tapeworm between 24 - 48 hours before it is checked in for the journey to the UK. You will be able to get any qualified vet to carry out this treatment. The vet will have to issue an official certificate of treatment to show that this treatment has been carried out. If it is the case that you are going abroad on a day trip with your pet, you will need to get this done before you go.

Sign a declaration of residency

You will have to sign a declaration (PETS 3) that your animal has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries (listed in the accompanying form PETS 3A) in the six months before it will enter the UK.

Arrange for your animal to travel on an approved route

Your animal must enter England from a PETS country travelling on approved route with an approved transport company.