Pets can now go to Europe without going through quarantine! MAFF has now lifted quarantine for pets going to and from certain countries in Europe as a pilot scheme, so saddle up and get going...

What about other countries?

Sorry, you will have to wait until they are deemed to be rabies-free, or until MAFF can be certain that vaccination is 100% effective.

But I have a guide dog. Can't I take him on holiday to Florida? Not unless you want to put him in quarantine on his return. Assistance Dogs and Rescue Dogs used to search for survivors in the Turkish Earthquake, etc. will still have to go in to quarantine for six months if they travel outside the designated countries.

Why are MAFF so concerned about Rabies?

We all should be. Once you have caught rabies, probably from a bite or saliva from an animal incubating rabies, there is no cure. You die a horrible death. However, dogs and cats properly vaccinated and blood-tested should be immune from catching and passing on the disease.

So what do I do if I want to take my dog/cat abroad?

Visit a recognised Veterinary practice for:

• Vaccination

• Insert identification chip – tattoos not accepted

• Blood sample taken from animal 30 days after vaccination

• Blood sample sent to be checked in laboratory

• If OK the Vet will sign papers and that is the pet's "passport"

• If the blood sample is negative then the vaccination and sampling has to be repeated 

Then what?

Book your trip with one of the recognised carriers. There is a limited amount of space at this time, so it is a  "first come first served" basis.  Thus far, the Pet Travel Scheme only applies to specified routes by specified companies.  The routes currently available are:

	Sea routes
	Route Company Caen-Portsmouth Brittany Ferries Calais-Dover Hoverspeed, P&O Stena, or SeaFrance Cherbourg-Portsmouth P&O Portsmouth Le Havre-Portsmouth P&O Portsmouth St Malo-Portsmouth Brittany Ferries

	Rail routes
	Route Company Calais-Folkestone Eurotunnel Shuttle Service (note not Eurostar)

	Air routes (to Heathrow only)
	From Airline Amsterdam (Schiphol) British Midland Airways Brussels British Midland Airways Frankfurt Lufthansa Helsinki Finnair Madrid British Midland Airways Palma (Majorca) British Midland Airways Paris (Guide Dogs only) British Midland Airways

British Airways will be joining the Pet Travel Scheme in January of 2001, but as yet no details of routes have been announced.

You should note that it is not possible to take part in the Pet Travel Scheme unless you travel on one of these specified routes.  You also cannot enter the UK with your pet on a private boat or airplane.

Can't I just turn up on spec?

No, unfortunately your pet won't be allowed to travel without a prior booking.

I live in the North. Why can't I travel via a port nearer home?

This is only a trial, and MAFF have decided to start with the most popular services. Once they are seen to work, then the scheme will probably be extended.

If you do enter the UK via an unauthorised route, but your pet otherwise meets all of the requirements for the Pet Travel Scheme, you will still have to put your pet into quarantine (which means getting the proper paperwork for that before you leave).  However, you may not have to keep your pet in quarantine for more than a few days.  If you can demonstrate that your pet satisfies all the requirements for the Pet Travel Scheme, you can apply for an early release from quarantine.  Full details are available from the MAFF website. 

What happens if my pet's passport isn't in order?

This is unlikely – Vets are well-organised and can check if your pet's chip is in place which is crucial for passport identification. If your pet has an old chip which can't be read by MAFF approved machinery, then you can bring your own reader, or (probably simpler) have the pet chipped again.  It's a good idea to check that your pet's microchip can be read before you leave, as it could save a lot of heartache and stress on your return journey.

Then What?

You must obtain the correct paperwork for each country you travel to or through.  

Anything else?

Yes, the MAFF has dictated that pets will have to be inspected for ticks and parasites by an approved Vet 24 hours before the return trip. In practice this will mean when you book your tickets your carrier will give you a list of English speaking Vets who can give your pet a quick 'once-over' 24 hours before you arrive at the Channel and supply you with the correct proof of examination.

Most of the problems with the scheme thus far has been with arranging this examination, or with incorrect paperwork.  For example, travellers had difficulties when entering Britain from France, where some vets were simply using headed notepaper to verify the 'Ticks and Bugs' examination, instead of the official form.  For your convenience PetPlanet.co.uk have provided a copy of the French Ticks and Bugs form on this site.

If I have any more questions, whom do I ask?

For more information contact the Pet Travel Scheme Helpline on 0870 241 1710 or your local vet (which you can find in Your Territory).

The MAFF website is a good source for up to date information about the Pet Travel Scheme and the regulations surrounding the importation of animals into the UK:  www.maff.gov.uk