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PETS Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) relates to pet dogs and cats (including guide and hearing dogs) that are live in one of the PETS qualifying countries, which includes the UK.

The PETS scheme will allow these animals to move freely between the countries covered by the scheme without having to undergo 6 months quarantine as long as they meet the required rules. Pets that do not meet these rules will have to be licensed into quarantine. However there is the chance that they may not have to spend the full 6 months in quarantine if they can demonstrate, during that period, they comply with the agreed PETS requirements.

Animals that come from any non-qualifying country will always be required to spend 6 months in quarantine.

To be able to get your pet involved in the PETS scheme there are a number of procedures that you need to go through in the following order. This is purely an overview. If you are bringing your pet to the UK from a Long Haul country or territory, there is further information that you should read.

The procedures (in order)

  • Your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.
  • You must then have your pet vaccinated against rabies.
  • You pet must then have a blood test so as to be able to check whether the vaccine has achieved a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.
  • You should then be able to get a PETS certificate from a government authorised vet.

Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm between 24 - 48 hours before it is checked in for the journey to the UK. You must be issued with an official certificate of treatment to show that this treatment has been carried out.

You will have to sign a declaration stating that your pet has not been outside of the PETS qualifying countries in the 6 months prior to you returning to the UK

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

Your pet will be able to be fitted with a microchip in any country. All the other procedures listed above must all be carried out in a PETS qualifying country.

Your pet will not be able to attain entry to the UK under the PETS scheme unless a period of six months has passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a successful test result. Only when the vet has signed the PETS certificate and the six month period has passed will the PETS certificate.

Please be aware that certain PETS countries have additional requirements.

Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.