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PETS Travel Scheme

The PETS Travel Scheme 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 take their pets to other European Union (EU) countries, and return with them to the UK. They can also, having taken their pets to certain non-EU countries, bring them back to the UK without the need for quarantine.

There are no requirements for dogs and cats travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Scheme only applies to pets coming into the UK from certain countries and territories. Dogs, cats and ferrets must not have been outside any of these countries in the 6 calendar months before entering the UK.

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK under pets may only do so on certain sea, air and rail routes.

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK from non-qualifying (unlisted) countries must spend 6 months in quarantine on arrival.

It is against the law in Great Britain to possess certain types of animals and meeting the requirements of pets will not change that.

Taking care of your pet

Help make your pet's journey as comfortable as possible by following these pointers:
  • make sure your pet is as fit and healthy as possible to withstand the journey

  • give them a light meal before they travel

  • give your pet the opportunity to go to the toilet before it is put in its carrying container

  • let your pet 'try out' the carrying container before the trip

  • the carrying container should be well-ventilated, roomy enough for the animal to move around, safe (no trapped paws please!), and have adequate food and water for the trip, with easily-refillable containers for a long journey

  • put a familiar-smelling cushion or rug in the container to help your pet settle

The procedures:

  • 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 (but not before it is 3 months old).

  • 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. A dog or cat may not enter or re-enter the UK under the PETS scheme until 6 calendar months have passed from the date that the blood sample which gave a satisfactory test result was taken.

  • Get PETS documentation

    For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. 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.

    Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and tapeworms.

    Your pet must receive tick and tapeworm treatment between 24 - 48 hours before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.

  • Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route. Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route. For the latest information on this you should visit the DEFRA website. On arrival, transport staff will check all your certification. If any checks fail, your pet is likely to either go into quarantine, or be returned to the country from which it has just come.