Returning to the UK with your Dog
The six month rule for entry or re-entry to the UK
Your dog may not enter the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS for short) until six calendar months
have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result (see below).
Once the vet has issued the PETS documentation and that six month period has passed,
the PETS documentation is valid for your pet to 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...... this is done by me!
Have your pet vaccinated -
After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies.
There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination.
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.
The earliest a blood test can be carried out is 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
Get PETS documentation -
For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport...... this is done by me (with Puppies 1st vacs.)!
If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official
third country veterinary certificate although note that Gibraltar and Switzerland are also issuing passports.
Animals can also enter the UK using a PETS certificate issued before 1 October 2004 until its “valid until” date.
Certificates issued on or after that date will not be acceptable for entry to the UK.
Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm -
Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours
before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.
This must be carried out by an authorised vet.