Taking your pet abroad
Conditions of Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows thousands of British cats to travel abroad since the scheme began.
Cats that are resident in either the United Kingdom or one of the other qualifying (listed) countries can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the Scheme
To qualify for the scheme your cat must meet certain criteria.
The procedures
- Have your cat microchipped
The cat must have a permanent microchip implanted before vaccination. The microchip must meet specifications so that it can be read by any standard microchip reader.
- Have your cat vaccinated
The cat must be vaccinated against rabies, using an approved vaccine and boosters must be given at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
- Arrange a blood test
A blood sample must be taken after the cat is vaccinated. This is tested at an approved laboratory to check immunity to rabies. If the test is successful the cat can be brought back into the UK 6 months after the blood sample was taken.
- Get PETS documentation
The cat must have a PETS passport signed by an official veterinary surgeon, confirming that the conditions have been met. Some countries also need additional certification or requirements, it is important to check with DEFRA before you travel.
- Before your cat enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and tapeworm
Your cat must be treated for ticks and tapeworms 24-48 hours before returning to the UK and official certification must be obtained from a veterinary surgeon to confirm this.
- Arrange for your cat to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route
You will need to sign a declaration stating that your cat has not been outside any of the qualifying counties in the six months before re-entering.
We recommend that you visit the DEFRA website for the very latest up to date information on PETS, or telephone DEFRA on 0870 241 1710
Check the following information
Are the countries you intend to visit included in the scheme?
Are all transit counties included in the scheme?
Do those countries have additional requirements?
Check the authorised travel routes and carriers
Claire York RVN
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Information Sheets 
