Pet Travel Scheme Q&A
Pet Travel Scheme
Questions and Answers
Q: What if my pet has already been vaccinated against rabies but has not been microchipped?
A: In order to prepare your pet for the pet travel scheme it must be microchipped first and then vaccinated.
Q: My pet has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, but not blood tested, can I still bring it into Northern Ireland?
A: Yes. However, it must do so under an “Import Licence” previously issued by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and it will be subject to six months quarantine during which it will be vaccinated against rabies.
Q: What if my pet has been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and has had a successful blood test can it come directly into Northern Ireland?
A: Provided that six calendar months have passed since the date that a blood was drawn which led to a successful result, the pet would not be subject to quarantine.
However, Northern Ireland does not have a PETS-approved route, therefore all pets coming directly into Northern Ireland must do so under an “Import Licence” previously issued by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
On arrival the pet will be collected and taken to the quarantine station (which the pet owner arranges directly with the quarantine station owners) where the pet will be checked by a Divisional Veterinary Officer of the Department to ensure that it meets all the conditions of the pet travel scheme. Pets that meet all the conditions will be released as soon as possible.
Pets which don’t meet all the conditions will remain in quarantine until it is proven that they do.
Q: What if my pet is not treated in time for ticks and tapeworm?
A: Your pet must be treated between 24 and 48 hours prior to check in with the transport company for the journey to the UK. If this is not done on time, the pet will not be allowed to travel to the UK,until this condition is met.
Q: Why are some long-haul countries approved and others not approved?
A: Whether or not a country is ‘approved’ by the Pet Travel Scheme depends on whether or not it is regarded as a high-risk area for rabies.
If a country is deemed high-risk, then animals cannot be allowed into the UK without quarantine.
Q: Why does the UK impose a six-month quarantine period for animals which do not meet the conditions of the scheme?
A: The UK is currently rabies-free, and the quarantine period exists in order to protect this status. Animals infected with rabies can remain asymptomatic for some time, even if a pet has been vaccinated, it is possible that it may have been infected before the vaccination and not presented any symptoms. Six months is deemed to be the maximum period of time an animal could survive a rabies infection; after six months has passed, it can be safely assumed that the animal is free from the disease.
Q. How long is the Pet Passport Valid for?
A: Pet Passports are valid indefinitely. However, because each treatment must be documented in the passport, it will eventually run out of space; when this happens a new passport should be requested.
Q: How long is a rabies vaccination valid for?
A: Different brands of vaccine have different validity periods - your vet will explain the details of the particular vaccine they have administered. However, certain countries may require booster vaccinations to be administered annually; pet owners are advised to contact the authorities in their country of destination if they are in any doubt about the validity of their vaccination.
Q: How much does a Pet Passport/Export Health Certificate cost?
A: There is no charge for any of the documents issued by the Department; however, your vet may charge an administrative fee for their completion.
Q: Do I need any documentation to travel to GB or the RoI?
A: At present, pets may travel freely anywhere in the UK, The Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Mann. However, airlines or ferry companies may require health information (either from your vet or the Department) before agreeing to carry your animal; you should check this with the company when planning your journey.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm
