EU countries
To travel from the UK to another EU country, a pet must be microchipped (although some countries accept a tattoo), vaccinated against rabies (although Sweden does not require this when a pet travels direct from the UK) and issued with an EU pet passport. Malta has additional entry requirements and to enter Sweden a pet must be treated for tapeworms with a product containing praziquantel no more than 10 days before entry. Pet owners should be advised to contact their local Animal Health Divisional Office or the authorities (e.g. the Embassy) of the country they wish to enter to check the requirements. There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. For rules to re-enter the UK see parts 1 and 2.
21 day wait
For EU countries where more stringent entry requirements do not apply, the EU has introduced a wait of 21 days from the date of the first rabies vaccination before a pet can enter those EU countries. However, if the vaccine manufacturer’s datasheet requires more than one vaccination to complete the primary vaccination protocol, the 21 day wait applies from the date of the final vaccination of that protocol.
Booster vaccinations are valid for entry from the date given provided they are given on time.
Owners can use an EU pet passport to take their pet into another EU country and certain non-EU listed countries. They can also use a valid PETS certificate to enter certain other EU countries. No PETS 1, PETS 5 certificates or export health certificates should be issued for pets travelling to other EU countries.
Non-EU listed countries
To enter a non-EU listed country that does not accept an EU pet passport, pets may need an export health certificate or an import permit. Some of these countries require an animal to have been vaccinated against rabies within a specified period before it arrives so you might need to revaccinate some pets against rabies before the booster is due. Other treatments may also be necessary. Pet owners should be advised to obtain more information from their local Animal Health Divisional Office.
Residence
If a pet stays in another EU or non-EU listed country it may become subject to that country’s rules on residence e.g. pets in France become resident after 3 months. Owners should be advised to check with the authorities of the country what those rules are and what implications becoming resident will have for their pet. For example, some countries require resident pets to have an annual rabies vaccination.
Health and welfare
We advise owners to consult their vet about their pet’s fitness to travel abroad and to ask about any preventative treatment against the risk of infection (e.g. for heartworm) depending on where it is going.
If a pet becomes ill after returning to GB, please ask the owner where it has been so that you can consider diseases not normally found here. If you suspect or diagnose an exotic disease, please report it through the DACTARI scheme which has been set up to record such diseases (see part 4).
Owners are also recommended to consider their pet’s welfare needs when travelling abroad and whether it will benefit from travelling with them. A welfare leaflet is available from the PETS website or Helpline.
