The Pet Travel Scheme is now in operation. It means that you will be able to take your pet dog or cat to certain countries in Europe and bring it back into the UK without quarantine. To do so, you must meet the rules of the scheme. This is a quick guide to PETS. For more details, ring the PETS Helpline for advice and ask them for a PETS factsheet or visit the DEFRA website.

To qualify for the PETS pilot scheme, your pet must (in this order):
1. be fitted with a microchip (£26.16)
2. be vaccinated against rabies (£40.95)
3. be blood tested to show that the vaccine is protecting your pet against rabies (£69.84)
4. be issued with an official PETS certificate (free)
5. be treated against ticks and tapeworms just before it comes back into the UK

(Prices shown are those charged by Oakfield Veterinary Group.)

To get your pet ready for the scheme, ask your vet to:
* microchip and vaccinate your pet. It must be microchipped before it can be vaccinated
* then arrange for your pet to be blood tested.

Once your pet has been successfully blood tested, your vet can then issue you with an official PETS certificate. Only Government authorised vets (known as Local Veterinary Inspectors or LVIs) can do this.

Once your pet has been successfully blood tested, it will be able to re-enter the UK six months after the date the blood sample was taken. Your vet will put the earliest entry date on your PETS certificate.

To get your pet back into the UK, you will need, in addition to the PETS certificate:

* a veterinary certificate to show it has been treated against ticks and tapeworms. This treatment must be carried out in the period 24 - 48 hours before you come back. If you are leaving the UK on a day trip, you will have to get this done before you go.

* a declaration that it has not been outside the PETS countries (you can fill this in just before you come back to the UK).

PETS Helpline 0870 2411710

See also: Wikipedia, Defra

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