Pet Passport
Since the introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme in February 2000, there have been numerous updates. The most recent has been the introduction of the new EU Pet Passport. Much like our own passport in design, it holds details of vaccination, microchip number, rabies blood test and tick and tapeworm treatments, which are updated as treatments are given.
These replace the old PETS 1 and 5 that ceased to be valid documents in October 2004. Should you still have these documents, please contact the surgery and we can arrange issue of the new style of passport. An up to date list of PETS-qualifying countries and authorised routes can be found on the DEFRA website.
Follow these steps to your pet’s passport:
In this order:
- Identification of the animal with a recognised microchip.
- Vaccination against rabies - this may take place at the same visit to your veterinary surgeon as microchipping. Your pet will need to be a minimum of 11weeks old to ensure there is no interference from maternal antibodies that may affect the uptake of the vaccine.
- A blood test should be taken from the animal to ensure that an effective antibody response has occurred. This normally takes place a minimum of 4 weeks after the date of vaccination.
- Six months must elapse after the date of a valid blood test before the animal is allowed to enter (or re-enter) the UK.
It is recognised that a small percentage of animals will not respond adequately to the rabies vaccination and will need to be injected and blood tested a second time.
Once these initial stages have been completed, further blood testing is not required provided that booster rabies vaccinations are given within the manufacturer’s recommended time span. The vaccine we currently stock gives immunity against rabies for 2 years in dogs and 1 year in cats.
The approximate cost of setting your pet up with a passport is £250.00. We do offer a discount if you pay this in full at the first visit.
At Barons Court Veterinary Centre we have a wealth of experience in advising clients on all aspects of pet travel so please contact us if you have any further queries.