Top 10 Pet Passport Tips

1.

 It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the details in the passport are correct. Owners should check the passport carefully before travel as any errors or omissions may mean the pet could be prevented from entering the UK under PETS and would have to enter into quarantine.

2.

 Section III: The pet’s microchip number MUST be recorded correctly, and in full.

3.

 The date of microchipping MUST be recorded. If the actual date is not known, the vet MUST verify that the date of implant was prior to the initial rabies vaccination, by entering: ‘Prior to [date of rabies vaccination]’ into the ‘Date of microchipping’ section.

4.

 Section IV: The owner MUST ensure the pet is given its rabies booster vaccination before the current vaccination expires. If not given on time, the pet will have to have another blood sample taken and wait a further six months before being allowed to re-enter the UK.

5.

 Section V: Six calendar months MUST pass after the date that a successful blood sample was taken before the pet may return to the UK. Provided all rabies boosters are kept up to date and the animal remains within PETS-qualified countries, this waiting period will not need to be undertaken again.

6.

 The owner MUST ensure that the correct order of preparation is followed. To comply with the requirements of the scheme, the pet must be micro-chipped, then rabies vaccinated and then blood tested. All vaccination and blood testing sections must be signed and stamped by an Official Veterinarian (OV).

7.

 Sections VI and VII: Tick and tapeworm treatment details MUST be accurately recorded. After treatment, a minimum of 24 hours must pass before checking-in the pet with a PETS-approved carrier for the journey to the UK. Please note that no more than 48 hours may pass from the time of treatment.

8.

 Each entry MUST be signed and stamped by a veterinarian and clearly show the DATE and TIME the treatments were given.

9.

 The treatments MUST be given by a practising veterinarian in the country in which the treatment is administered. Ensure that the products used are for use against ticks and tapeworms respectively, as some products may not meet requirements.

10.

 The treatments MUST be licensed for use in the country of administration and be dispensed by the veterinarian in that country (owners must NOT take products from the UK for a veterinarian in another country to administer)

Further information can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth