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Note:
Please bear with us as we are currently updating the information in this section concerning the importation of pets, including guide dogs in to the UK. When completed the information on these pages will contain all current regulations for importing guide dogs in to the UK under this scheme. Thank You.
What is PETS
(PETS) is the system that allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can, having taken their pets to these countries, bring them back without the need for quarantine.
The Scheme:
The Pet Travel Scheme only applies to non-commercial
animals such as pet cats, dogs ferrets and other small animals, ("pets")
including guide dogs and hearing dogs. It is limited to pets coming into
the UK from certain countries and territories. The scheme only operates
on certain sea, air and rail routes to England. These are discussed below.
PETS was introduced for dogs and cats travelling from certain European
countries on 28 February 2000, and was expanded to include ferrets, and
other small animals commonly kept as house-hold pets, (Rabbits, hampsters,
and other rodents) with the enactment of the European Union Regulation
on the non-commercial movement of such animals, within, in to, and out
of the European Union on July 1 of 2004. The Scheme was extended to Cyprus,
Malta and certain Long Haul countries and territories on 31 January 2001.
Bahrain joined on 1 May 2002. The USA and Canada joined on 11 December
2002. The new European Union excession states joined on May 1, 2004.
What Pet Owners Must do
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) applies to pet dogs and cats (including guide and hearing dogs) that are resident in either the United Kingdom or one of the
PETS qualifying countries. Animals which meet the PETS rules can enter (or re-enter) the UK without having to undergo 6 months quarantine. Animals which do not meet all the rules
must be licensed into quarantine. They might then be able to obtain early release if they can be shown to comply with the necessary PETS requirements. To bring your animal into the UK under PETS from one of the qualifying countries you must carry out the following procedures in the order shown below. If your
pet is resident in France or Denmark these
procedures maybe done in a different order. This page gives a description of the rules. Please make sure that you have read and understood all of these pages before you bring your pet to the UK. If you are bringing your pet to the UK from a Long Haul country or territory, there is more information that you must read.
Where PETS procedures can be carried out
Your pet can be fitted with a microchip in any country. The rabies vaccination (including boosters), blood sampling, issuing the PETS certificate, the tick
and tapeworm treatment and issuing the official certificate of treatment must all be carried out in either the British Isles, the Republic of Ireland or
a qualifying country.
The six month rule
Your pet may not enter the UK under PETS until six months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a successful test result
(see below). Once the vet has signed the PETS certificate and that six month period has passed, the PETS certificate is valid and your pet may enter the UK.
Have your pet microchipped
Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.
Have your pet vaccinated
After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies.
Arrange a blood test
After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.
Get a PETs certificate
Once these steps have been successfully completed, you can get an official PETS certificate from a government authorised vet.
Before your pet enters the UK, have it treated against ticks and a tapeworm
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. Any qualified vet can carry
out the treatment. The vet must also issue an official certificate of treatment to show that this treatment has been carried out. If you are going abroad
on a day trip with your pet, you will have to have this done before you go.
Sign a declaration of residency
You will have to sign a declaration (PETS 3) that your animal has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries (listed in the accompanying form
PETS 3A) in the six months before it enters the UK.
Arrange for your animal to travel on an approved route
Your animal must enter England from a PETS country travelling on an approved route with an approved transport company. Certain PETS countries have additional requirements.
Microchipping
Fitting a microchip:
A microchip must first be implanted in the animal to identify it. We do not specify a particular type or brand of microchip to be used, but, in Europe ISO (International Standards Organisation) Standard microchips meeting specifications 11784 or Annex A of ISO Standard 11785 are generally used. If the microchip does not meet either of these (ISO) Standards, you should provide your own microchip reader (at your expense) to enable the microchip number
to be read successfully when your animal enters the UK or needs to be checked in a European PETS country.
Fitting a microchip:
You can get your pet fitted with a microchip at any time but remember it must be done before it is vaccinated against rabies and blood tested. (There is
an exception to this rule for pets resident in France or Denmark.) Your vet should record the microchip number on your pet’s vaccination record at the time of vaccination. The microchip
number will also be recorded on the official PETS certificate.
Reading a microchip:
Your vet should insert the microchip according to the manufacturer’s instructions (and any national rules that may apply). Ask your vet to test that the
microchip works by checking its number before and after it has been fitted. You can now arrange to have your pet vaccinated against rabies.
Vaccination Against Rabies
Your pet must be at least three months old before it is vaccinated. This can be done any time after your pet has been fitted with a microchip. Before vaccinating
your pet, make sure your vet checks its microchip number and enters it on your pet’s vaccination record. If your pet has been vaccinated against rabies before it was identified by a microchip, it will have to be fitted with a microchip and vaccinated again.
This is to make sure that your pet is correctly identified when it is vaccinated. The procedure for pets resident in France is slightly different.
Vaccination record:
When your pet is vaccinated, make sure that your vet has recorded the following details on its vaccination record:
1.its date of birth/age (if known)
2.the microchip number (and date of insertion, if known)
3.the date of vaccination
4.the vaccine product name
5.the batch number
6.the date its booster vaccination is due (calculated by reference to the vaccine manufacturer's data sheet)
Re-vaccination (boosters)
After your pet has been vaccinated and successfully blood tested, it will need regular booster vaccinations. These must be given by the "valid until" date
on the PETS certificate. If this date is missed your animal will not meet the conditions of the scheme and will have to be vaccinated and blood tested
again. The 6 month rule will then apply from the date the new blood sample is taken. If your pet always has its booster on time, it will not need another
blood test. You should now ask your vet to arrange to have your pet
blood tested.
This should take place about 30 days after vaccination. Your vet will advise you further.
Blood Testing
Arranging a blood test:
After your pet has been vaccinated, it must have a blood test to make sure that the vaccine has given sufficient protection against rabies. The vet will
arrange to take a sample of your pet’s blood and send it to a laboratory for testing. The vet who vaccinated your pet can arrange this for you. You will
need to take your pet’s vaccination record with you when the blood sample is taken. Make sure that the vet records the microchip number accurately and
clearly on the submission form.
When to blood test:
The best time for a blood sample to be taken is about 30 days after your pet's rabies vaccination. Your vet will advise you further. Make sure that your
vet gives you a signed record of the date the blood sample was taken with the microchip number clearly stated.
Where the blood test is done:
The blood test must be done at a
laboratory recognised by defra.
Your vet should have a list of these and can choose any one to carry out the test. Other laboratories may be added to the list in due course. The date that each laboratory was officially recognised is noted on the list. Blood tests performed by laboratories before the recognition date will not
be accepted. This is because we can only be certain that a laboratory meets the necessary quality standards once it has been officially recognised. Blood testing capacity at laboratories may be limited and there may be a wait for a blood test. You might wish to ask your vet to check with the laboratory
how long they will take to provide the result of the blood test. These problems should ease as more laboratories are recognised and capacity increases. Blood samples may be stored by laboratories for later testing.
Contacting laboratories:
Please do not contact laboratories directly to arrange your pet’s blood test or to get the result. Your vet will do this for you. If your pet’s blood test is successful, you should ask a government authorised vet (in Great Britain a Local Veterinary Inspector) to issue you with an official PETS certificate.
However, you will not be able to bring your pet into the UK under the Scheme until 6 months have passed from the date that the blood sample was taken.
Blood test result:
A successful blood test result must show that the rabies neutralising antibody titre was equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml. Make sure your vet gives you
a copy of the blood test result.
Failed blood test:
You should seek advice from your vet if your pet fails its blood test (in other words, the result shows that it has not been satisfactorily protected against
rabies). Your pet may need to be re-vaccinated and blood tested again. To help avoid this, you may wish to consider getting your pet vaccinated twice before it is blood tested. This may be particularly helpful in the case of young animals. You should discuss this with your vet.
Further blood tests
No further tests are required after the first test which gives a successful result, provided the pet is subsequently revaccinated by the 'Valid until' date
on the PETS certificate. If there is a break in the specified vaccination programme, a further blood test will be required after re-vaccination and the
six months wait will apply.
Certificates
The certificate will show 'Valid from' and 'Valid until' dates. Your dog or cat can enter the UK only between these dates. The 'Valid from' date will be
6 months from the date that the blood sample was taken which gave a successful test result. The certificate will confirm that your pet:
1.is identified by its microchip number;
2.has a current vaccination against rabies;
3.has had a blood test showing satisfactory protection against rabies.
4.shows no clinical signs of rabies.
If your pet does not meet all these conditions, it will not get a PETS certificate. The certificate:
1.may be issued at any time after the above requirements have been met;
2.will be valid for a specific period of time;
3.will expire on the date your pet’s booster vaccination is required (the "valid until" date).
Please note that in some Long Haul countries, the authorities
may issue certificates which are valid for only one trip to the UK. Government vets in those countries will advise further. A certificate will not become valid for entry to the UK until six months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which gave a successful test result. Once the vet has signed the certificate and that six month period has passed,The PETS certificate is valid and your animal may enter the UK.
Renewing the certificate:
You will need to ask a government authorised vet for a renewal certificate each time your pet is given its booster vaccination. The booster must be given
by the "Valid until" date on the PETS certificate. A new certificate will only be issued if the booster is administered on time. If the revaccination date
is missed, the pet will have to be vaccinated and then blood tested again and the six months wait from the date that the new blood sample is taken will
apply. Renewal certificates are valid as soon as they are issued.
Treatment Against Ticks and Tape Worms
Between 24 and 48 hours before you check-in for your journey to the UK, your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm and issued with an official
certificate of treatment to show that this has been done. Any vet qualified to practice in a PETs qualifying country can carry out the treatment and issue an official certificate. You must not administer the treatment yourself. The treatment must be carried out every time
your pet enters the UK. When you arrive at the check in point, if less than 24 hours has passed since the treatment, you will have to wait until the full 24 hours has passed before
you can check in with your pet. If the treatment was done more than 48 hours before you check in, you will have to have your pet treated again, get another
official certificate, and wait at least 24 hours before checking in. Pets being taken abroad for short trips may need to have the treatment carried out in the UK to comply with the timing requirement. In some countries, vets have to order the tick and tapeworm treatment certificate from a central point, which can take a few days. It is advisable therefore,
if possible, to contact the vet in advance, rather than assuming that he will be able to give the treatment and issue a certificate with no prior warning. Make sure that the vet checks your pet's microchip number before giving the treatment.
Treatment:
Your pet must be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis using a veterinary medicine whose active ingredient is praziquantel, and against
ticks using an acaricide. For animals treated by vets in Cyprus, Malta and all the Long Haul countries except the mainland USA and Canada, the treatment
against ticks must contain fipronil as the active ingredient. A collar impregnated with acaricide is not an acceptable form of treatment against ticks.
In European PETS countries, the mainland USA and Canada the tick treatment must be licensed for use against ticks and have a marketing authorisation in
the country in which it is administered.
The certificate of treatment:
It is your responsibility to make sure that your pet has the correct official certificate of treatment (in the UK it is called a PETS 2 ) and that it has
been correctly completed by the vet once he or she treated your pet. A private veterinary certificate or headed letter is not acceptable. An official certificate
is one issued to vets for the purposes of the Scheme by a government authority of the country in which the treatment is carried out and will usually have
the name of the government department at the top. The certificate must be in English, but may also contain a translation in another language. In Cyprus, the certificate must be issued by the government of the Republic of Cyprus.
The certificate must show:
1.your pet’s microchip number
2.the date and time of treatment
3.the products used
The vet must also sign, date and stamp the certificate. Animals will fail the PETS check if their certificates are not in order. Do make sure that these details are correctly recorded on the certificate before you leave the vet's surgery. The vet will charge you for this service. If you are having the treatment for your pet done in France, there is a sample copy of the
official French certificate of treatment
on this site. You may wish to print this and take it with you to show the vet in France. Please note the vet cannot fill in this sample certificate.
Why pets have to be treated:
The tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis can cause a serious or fatal liver disease in humans. The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus can carry diseases that
are harmful to humans. Neither of these parasites is thought to be currently present in the UK. The treatment needs to be given 24-48 hours before the
pet is checked in to travel to the UK to ensure that the tapeworm eggs are not shed in the UK.
Human diseases caused by the ticks and tapeworm:
In humans, the fox tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis, can cause a serious and often fatal disease called alveolar echinococcosis. This produces effects
similar to liver cancer. Symptoms include abdominal pain, jaundice, fever and anaemia and tapeworm cysts may develop in the liver. Treatment may involve
surgery or lifelong chemotherapy. Without treatment the disease is usually fatal. This tapeworm is not found in the UK, but is present in France, Germany,
and other parts of continental Europe.
The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus can carry a range of diseases including Boutonneuse Fever (also known as Mediterranean Spotted Fever). Although this disease
can usually be treated with antibiotics, up to 2.5% of cases are fatal. Dogs are the main host for the tick that carries and transmits this disease. The
fever and the tick are absent from the UK but are widespread throughout the Mediterranean including Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece.
Finding a vet to treat your pet
Look in the local Yellow Pages or contact the local British Consulate in the country concerned. In some cases, the transport companies carrying your pet
under the Pet Travel Scheme may be able to help you.
The declaration of residency
On the day you travel to the UK with your dog or cat you must fill in and sign a PETS 3 form. This is a declaration that your pet has not been outside any
of the PETS qualifying countries in the previous six months. The list of countries is shown on the PETS 3A form which accompanies the PETS 3
Obtaining the declaration form:
You can obtain a PETS 3 in advance by telephoning the PETS Helpline (0870-241-1710) or on the day of travel from the transport company when they check your
animal
Completing the declaration:
You can enter the details of two pets on each form. The form is duplicated. The transport company will keep one copy when your pet's microchip and documentation
is checked. You must keep the other copy.
Approved PETS routes
You may use any of the routes and transport companies on the following lists to bring your pet into the UK under the Scheme. The first list covers travel from qualifying European countries, the second from qualifying Long Haul countries. Your pet must travel to the UK from a Long Haul country on a direct route. It must not go via any other Long Haul or European country. Ring the PETS Helpline for more information. You may not bring a pet into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme from a private boat or plane. Routes may change and new ones may be added. Check with the PETS Helpline for the latest information. Some routes may only operate during certain times of the year. You are advised to check this and all your other proposed travel arrangements with the transport company before booking your trip to the UK as they may have their own additional conditions of travel. Please note that most pets travelling to the UK by air have to travel as cargo. Check the costs, requirements and procedures with your transport company well before you travel. Once you have chosen a route, check the contact details of the transport companies.
Europe:
Pets entering the UK on a sea crossing or by rail must accompany passengers with a vehicle unless otherwise shown on the list. On some air routes, guide
and hearing dogs may travel in the cabin. Some air routes accept only guide and hearing dogs. The list gives details. Pets travelling from Cyprus to the UK via Turkey (including UK pets returning home on this route) will need to be licensed into quarantine with a view to obtaining early release.
Your pet must travel in a container that has had a seal applied to it in Cyprus by a representative of the airline transporting the animal to the UK. The
location of the seal shall be such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The person applying the seal must write the number of
the seal on the boarding document ID11 and sign and stamp the ID11 with the official stamp of the airline. If during the journey the seal is broken, it must be replaced by a representative of the airline transporting the pet who must certify in writing that,
between the time the original seal was broken and the replacement seal was applied, the pet did not come into contact with any other animals. The number
of the new seal must be written on the boarding document ID11. These requirements do not apply to pets flying direct from Cyprus to the UK on one of the approved routes shown in the PETS European route list.
Approved European routes and transport companies:
The following routes and transport companies may be used to bring pets to the UK from European PETS countries. Companies that require the plane to be booked,
not just the ticket, are now shown on a separate list of charter companies below.
By sea:
France:
Caen or St Malo to Portsmouth:
Brittany Ferries
Calais to Dover:
Hoverspeed (may also accept foot passengers with pets), P&O Ferries (may also accept foot passengers with guide and hearing dogs) and SeaFrance
Cherbourg to Plymouth:
Brittany Ferries
Cherbourg to Poole:
Brittany Ferries
Cherbourg or Le Havre to Portsmouth:
P&O Portsmouth (may also accept foot passengers with pets)
Dieppe to Newhaven:
Hoverspeed (may also accept foot passengers with pets) This route operates in the Spring/Summer only
Roscoff to Plymouth:
Brittany Ferries
St Malo to Plymouth:
Brittany Ferries (Winter only)
St Malo to Poole:
Condor Ferries
Holland
Hook of Holland to Harwich:
Stena Line Holland BV(may also accept foot passengers with pets)
Spain
Santander to Portsmouth:
Brittany Ferries (Winter only-irregular)
Santander to Plymouth:
Brittany Ferries (Summer only)
By rail:
Calais (Coquelles) to Folkestone (Cheriton):
Eurotunnel Shuttle Service only.
Guide dogs accompanying blind persons are permitted on the Eurostar Rail Service.
By air:
Austria:
Vienna to London Heathrow:
Austrian Airlines (including Lauda Air and
Tyrolean Airways); KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Belgium
Antwerp to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Brussels to London Heathrow:
bmi british midland;KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Cyprus
Larnaca or Paphos to London Heathrow:
Cyprus Airways
Larnaca or Paphos to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways (Guide Dogs only which may be accepted in the cabin)
Denmark
Billund or Copenhagen to London Gatwick:
Maersk Air Cargo
Copenhagen to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam);Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)
Finland
Helsinki to London Heathrow:
Finnair;KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
France
Montpellier to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Nantes to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Nice to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Paris (Charles de Gaulle) to London Heathrow:
bmi british midland (guide and hearing dogs only which may be accepted in the cabin);KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Toulon-Hyeres to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Toulouse to London Heathrow:
Air France (guide dogs only which will travel in the cabin);KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Germany
Dusseldorf to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Frankfurt to London Heathrow:
Lufthansa (guide and hearing dogs may be accepted in the cabin);KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Hamburg to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam);Lufthansa
Munich to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Stuttgart to London Heathrow:
bmi british midland (guide and hearing dogs only which may be accepted in the cabin)
Gibraltar
Gibraltar to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Greece
Athens to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Corfu to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Heraklion to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Rhodes to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Thessalonika to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Italy
Milan (Linate) to London Heathrow:
bmi british midland
Milan (Malpensa) to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Naples to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Olbia (Corsica) to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Pisa to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Rome (Leonardo da Vinci) to London Gatwick:
British Airways
Rome (Leonardo da Vinci) to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Venice to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Verona to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways
Malta
Valletta to London Gatwick:
GB Airways; Britannia Airways (Guide dogs only which may be allowed to travel in the cabin)
Valletta to London Heathrow:
Air Malta
Netherlands
Amsterdam (Schiphol) to London Heathrow:
bmi british midland (guide and hearing dogs may be accepted in the cabin);KLM Cargo
Norway
Oslo to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam);Scandinavian Airline System (SAS)
Stavangar to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Portugal
Faro to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin); GB Airways
Funchal (Madeira) to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Lisbon to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Porto to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Spain
Alicante to London Gatwick:
Astraeus Cargo; Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin); GB Airways
Almeria to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Arrecife to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin)
Barcelona to London Gatwick:
British Airways
Barcelona to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Fuerteventura to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin)
Girona to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Lanzarote to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Las Palmas to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin)
Madrid to London Heathrow:
bmi british midland (guide and hearing dogs may be accepted in the cabin);KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Mahon to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Malaga to London Gatwick:
Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin); GB Airways
Malaga to London Heathrow:
GB Airways
Murcia to London Gatwick:
Astraeus Cargo;GB Airways
Palma, Majorca to London Gatwick:
GB Airways; Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin)
Palma, Majorca to London Heathrow:
bmi british midland (guide and hearing dogs may be accepted in the cabin)
Seville to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Tenerife, Canary Islands to London Gatwick:
Astraeus Cargo; Britannia Airways (Guide dogs may be accepted in the cabin); GB Airways
Valencia to London Gatwick:
GB Airways
Sweden
Stockholm to London Gatwick:
Maersk air Cargo (via Billund)
Stockholm to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Switzerland
Geneva or Zurich to London Heathrow:
KLM Cargo (via Amsterdam)
Air routes of approved European charter companies
For these routes, the plane must be booked, not just the ticket
Belgium
Brussels to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Denmark
Copenhagen to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
France
Avignon to London Heathrow:
Jet Aviation
Cannes to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Marseille to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Nice to London Heathrow:
Jet Aviation; NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA; Tag Aviation
Paris (Charles de Gaulle) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Paris (Le Bourget) to London Heathrow:
Jet Aviation; NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA; Tag Aviation
Toulon (Hyerres) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Germany
Berlin (Tegel) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Cologne-Bonn to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Frankfurt (Main or Hahn) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Hamburg to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Munich to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Gibraltar
Gibraltar to London Heathrow:
NetJets - Transportes Aereos SA
Italy
Florence to London Heathrow
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Milan (Linate or Malpenza) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA; Tag Aviation
Rome (Ciampino) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA; Tag Aviation
Rome (Fiumincino) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Netherlands
Amsterdam to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Rotterdam to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Norway
Oslo to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Portugal
Faro to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Lisbon to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Spain
Barcelona to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Ibiza to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Madrid (Barajas or Torrejon) to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Malaga to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Palma, Majorca to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Sweden
Gothenburg to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Switzerland
Geneva to London Heathrow:
NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA; Tag Aviation
Samedan to London Heathrow:
Jet Aviation
Zurich to London Heathrow:
Jet Aviation; NetJets-Transportes Aereos SA
Approved Long Haul routes and transport companies
Pets travelling from a qualifying Long Haul country must enter the UK by air on an approved route unless travelling from Ascension Island, the Falkland
Islands or St Helena when they may travel by sea. Pets travelling by air must travel to the UK in a container bearing an official seal. Pets from Long Haul countries may not enter the UK on a European PETS route. The following routes and transport companies may be used to bring pets into the UK from Long Haul PETS countries or territories.
By sea:
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to Shoreham:
Jeppesen Heaton
By air:
Australia
Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney to
London Heathrow (via Singapore): Qantas
Bahrain
Bahrain to London Heathrow:
Gulf Air
Bermuda
Bermuda to London Gatwick:
British Airways
Canada
Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax, St John's, Vancouver and Ottawa to London Heathrow:
Air Canada
Japan
Nagoya or Osaka (Kansia), Japan to London Heathrow:
Japan Airlines
Tokyo (Narita) to London Heathrow:
All Nippon Airways and Japan
Airlines
New Zealand
Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington to London Heathrow (via
Australia and Singapore): Qantas
Singapore
Singapore to London Heathrow:
Singapore Airlines Cargo
USA
Cleveland, Houston or Newark to London Gatwick:
Continental Airlines - accompanied animals only
Los Angeles to London Heathrow:
Virgin Atlantic Airways (3 month trial from 8 May)
Sanford, Florida to London Gatwick:
Britannia Cargo.
Qualifying European Countries - questions and answers
Q1. What about pets traveling within the British Isles
A1. Pets resident anywhere in the British Isles will continue to be able to travel freely within the British Isles and will not be subject to quarantine
or to the Pet Travel Scheme rules.
Q2. What about pets entering the Republic of Ireland?
A2. The PETS scheme relates to the UK only. The Republic of Ireland does not have a PETS scheme. Therefore, pets entering the Republic of Ireland directly
from all countries other than the UK, Channel Isles and the Isle of Man will still have to go into quarantine. Pets which have entered the UK under the
PETS scheme can enter the Republic of Ireland without going into quarantine.
Q3. Can I bring my pet from a qualifying country through one that doesn't qualify?
A3. No. If your pet travels outside the qualifying countries during the six months before it enters the UK it will not qualify. Your transport company will
ask you to sign a declaration that it has not been outside the qualifying countries in this period.
Q4. What about the Channel Islands?
A4. Jersey and Guernsey each launched their own Pet Travel Scheme on Monday 15 May 2000. For more on the Jersey Scheme visit the Jersey Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website
Q5. What is the position with rescue dogs coming to the UK?
A5. It depends where they come from. If they’ve been only to a qualifying country they can qualify for PETS. If not, they have to go into quarantine. We
are discussing with rescue organisations ways in which training can continue while in quarantine.
Q6. Are the rules the same for all the European PETS countries?
A6. No. There are three important differences:
1.For Cyprus and Malta the treatment for ticks must contain fipronil.
2.Pets may come from any part of Cyprus but the official certification must be produced by the government of the Republic of Cyprus.
3.Pets travelling from Cyprus to the UK via Turkey (including UK pets returning home on this route) will need to be licensed into quarantine with a view to obtaining early release.
Your pet must travel in a container that has had a seal applied to it in Cyprus by a representative of the airline transporting the animal to the UK. The
location of the seal shall be such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The person applying the seal must write the number of
the seal on the boarding document ID11 and sign and stamp the ID11 with the official stamp of the airline. If during the journey the seal is broken, it must be replaced by a representative of the airline transporting the pet who must certify in writing that,
between the time the original seal was broken and the replacement seal was applied, the pet did not come into contact with any other animals. The number of the new seal must be written on the boarding document ID11. These requirements do not apply to pets flying direct from Cyprus to the UK on one of the approved routes shown in the PETS European route list.
Long Haul countries - more information
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allow pet cats and dogs to enter England from certain
Long Haul (i.e. non-European) countries
and territories without having to go into quarantine. The same conditions apply to these animals as apply to animals brought in from European PETS countries.
However, for some of the Long Haul countries there are additional conditions and documentary requirements.
How do we get our pet into England from a Long Haul country?
It depends which Long Haul country you are travelling from. Pets travelling from a qualifying Long Haul country must enter the UK by air on an approved route, with the exception of pets travelling from Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands or St Helena which may travel by sea. Pets from Long Haul countries may not enter the UK by any other sea route or through
the Channel Tunnel. Pets travelling by air from a Long Haul country must travel to the UK in a container which has had a seal
applied to it. Pets may not travel to the UK from a Long Haul country via a European country.
Airlines:
If there is no approved route to the UK from your Long Haul country, either direct or using a feeder route from another Long Haul PETS country, you will need to arrange for your pet to enter quarantine on arrival in England with a view to early release. For this you will need an import license before your pet travels. Your pet will be released early only if the veterinary supervisor at the quarantine premises is sure that your pet qualifies. If your pet does not qualify for early release, it will have to undergo six months quarantine. If you are in doubt about whether your pet is likely to qualify for early release, please
call Rolf Kluttig on +44 (0)20 7904 6221. We are talking to a number of airlines about approving more routes. Please check this website or call the PETS Helpline for up to date information on developments
on airlines from Long Haul countries. Please talk to your chosen airline before you travel to agree your proposed travel arrangements. Check the costs, requirements and procedures well before you travel. Pets travelling to the UK by air have to travel as cargo.
]
Sea routes:
Pets from Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands or St Helena may travel to England by sea. There is, as yet, only one approved route from these islands
(Falkland Islands to Shoreham) and, unless using this route with Jeppesen Heaton Ltd, your pet will need to be licensed into quarantine for early release.
Extra conditions for pets coming from Long Haul countries:
Additional rules apply to cats and dogs entering England from Long Haul countries.
Treatment against ticks and tapeworm:
Pets coming from all the Long Haul countries except the mainland USA and Canada must be
treated against ticks with a treatment containing fipronil.
Seals on containers
Animals imported by air must travel in a container which has had a seal fixed to it for the whole journey. This is so that there will have been no risk of your pet being exposed to rabies en route. The seal must have been fixed to the container prior to departure by a government official (e.g. a customs or
immigration officer) and should be fixed in such a way as to ensure that the container cannot be opened without breaking it. The number of the seal must
be written on the tick and tapeworm certificate (or on the import license if your animal is being licensed into quarantine) by the official who fixed the
seal. He or she must also have signed and stamped the certificate to this effect.
Airlines can help you with these arrangements so contact the airline as early as possible before you travel. If it is necessary for the seal to be broken during the journey, it must be replaced with a new seal by an official of the country in which it is broken. That official must also certify in writing that, while the container was unsealed, the animal did not come into contact with any other animal. The new
seal number should be recorded on the documentation. An animal traveling by sea from Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands or St Helena does not have to travel in a crate. However, it must be kept separate from other animals and not leave the ship at any stage during the voyage
Additional Documentation for Long Haul countries:
All pets entering quarantine with a view to early release will require an
import license that you will need to obtain from us before your pet travels. Cats that have been resident in Australia must be accompanied by a certificate from the Australian Veterinary Authorities confirming that at no time have they been on a holding where Hendra virus has been confirmed during the 60 days prior to departure.
Pets travelling by sea from Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands or St Helena will require a declaration from the shipping company to confirm that they were kept separate from other animals and did not leave the ship during the voyage.
Long Haul pets returning to the UK from Europe
If you are coming to the UK from a Long Haul country and plan to visit a European PETS country with your pet during your stay, you should bring your pet's
vaccination record and a copy of its blood test result with you. You will need these because you will need to obtain a UK PETS certificate so that your pet can re-enter the UK. Ring the PETS Helpline for more advice.
Long Haul pets going into quarantine with a view to early release
If your animal travels on an unapproved route or airline or if you do not have an official PETS certificate, and you wish to seek early release from quarantine
for your pet you must, well before your departure, check with your airline that they can:
•arrange for your pet to travel in an IATA
approved container;
•arrange for a government official (such as a customs or immigration officer) in the country you are leaving to fix a seal to the container in which your pet will travel (this is a routine procedure);
•ensure that the number of the seal is recorded on the import license (for pets not being licensed into quarantine this should be on the tick and tapeworm certificate);
•ensure that all the documentation travels with your pet (the container should have a wallet containing documents fixed to it);
•ensure that if it is necessary for the seal of the container to be broken during the journey, it is replaced with a new seal by an official of the country in which it was broken and the documentation is signed and stamped as detailed above.
Animals entering quarantine can have the tick and tapeworm treatment carried out while they are in the quarantine premises. You are reminded that all pets entering quarantine with a view to early release will require an import license (which must have been obtained before your pet travels).
Early Release From Quarantine
All cats and dogs imported into the UK which do not meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme must spend 6 months in quarantine. An animal which is
in quarantine will become eligible for early release from the date that it can be shown to comply with all the necessary rules of the Pet Travel Scheme.
Which animals might be eligible?
•Animals which are quarantined after failing a PETS check carried out by a Defra approved carrier may become eligible for early release if the failure can subsequently be put right.
•Animals that enter the UK using an unapproved transport company or route may become eligible for early release from quarantine if they can meet all the other rules of the Scheme.
•Animals that enter the UK but which will not meet the PETS rules until six months have elapsed since the date a blood sample was taken that gave a satisfactory test result. A pet owner can import a cat or dog into quarantine while waiting for their animal to become eligible.
Early release from quarantine:
•Animals that enter the UK without an official PETS certificate.
•Animals that enter the UK without having had the tick and tapeworm treatment or don't have an official certificate of treatment. Dogs and cats can have the treatment done when in quarantine. Animals must stay in quarantine for 24 hours after the treatment is given.
Bring your animal's vaccination record and blood test result with you to support a request for early release. If you want to bring your pet into the UK using an unapproved transport company or route, or your pet does not yet meet the PETS rules and you want to bring it to the UK now, you must obtain an import licence and arrange for your pet to go into quarantine. It is illegal to bring a cat or dog into the country without a licence unless it is brought in under the PETS rules by an approved PETS transport company.
How to apply for early release from quarantine
Applicants must complete a form ID91 which must be countersigned by the Veterinary Superintendent of the quarantine premises where the animal is held. Copies
of this form are available from Veterinary Superintendents and us. If the animal complies with the PETS rules it should take us no more than 2 or 3 working
days to issue the authorisation for release.
Further Information:
If you want more information about applying for an import licence or the early release of an animal from quarantine please ring us on +44 (0)20 7904 6222.
If you want more information about the PETS rules please ring the PETS Helpline on 0870 241 1710.
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