The Pet Passport System in the UK

In the UK a pet would need a passport in order to be able to travel out of the country, to enter the UK or a different country that accepts pet passports and if your pet leaves the UK to visit a ‘listed or unlisted country’ and then travels back to the UK. Pet passports were introduced to make travelling with your pet easier than ever before! Having a pet passport also means your pet usually does not need to spend time in quarantine.

What is a pet passport?
A pet passport is an important document that details all the vaccinations and medical procedures your pet as had. It is a record of your pets health and evidence that your pet is in a fit enough condition to travel to and from the country.

Listed and Unlisted Countries
As previously mentioned, it is not just the UK that accepts pet passports but also:
1. Andorra
2. Azores and Madeira
3. Canary Islands
4. French Guiana
5. Gibraltar
6. Greenland and the Faroe Islands
7. Guadeloupe
8. Iceland
9. Liechtenstein
10. Martinique
11. Monaco
12. Norway
13. Reunion
14. San Marino
15. Switzerland
16. Vatican City
These countries along with ‘listed’ countries means travelling in and out of them with your pet passport is a lot easier. These countries include:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, BES Islands (Bonair, Saint Eustatius and Saba), Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Russian Federation, Saint Maarten, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Taiwan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, USA (includes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US virgin Islands), Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna. Travelling with pets in and out of ‘unlisted countries’ is usually more difficult and complicated. Make sure you check carefully the requirement of such countries if you are travelling to them.

How can I get my pet a passport?
Certain vets can issue pet passports, or they can give you advice on where else to get one. You can also contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency who will be able to direct you. You will pet will also need to be microchipped, if it is not already, for it to be eligible for a passport. In order to get the passport, you will have to take your pet, it’s identity and vaccination documents, medical records and rabies results to the vet.

What is the best time to get my pet a passport?
Time is key when sorting out your pet’s passport. Certain countries require specific vaccinations and therefore enough time needs to be allowed to have these done. Additionally, if travelling to a county not listed above your pet with need to have a rabies jab and a blood test which needs to be done at least 1 month after the first jab. You will then need to wait another 3 months before your pet can travel. Additionally, you will need to leave enough time for your pet’s passport to be issued, which can take longer at certain times of the year.

Also, it is best to leave yourself enough time to thoroughly check over your pet passport documents and that it contains the right information. The information required should include: details and description of your pet, details of the owner, current vaccination evidence, microchip number and details of your vet. Sometimes it is advised to take your pet’s previous passport if this contains prior tests. Your vet can advise you on this.

What if my pet’s passport is not correct?
If you have not provided the correct information or your pet has not had the correct vaccinations then there is the possibility your pet could be quarantined. In some cases this can be for up to 4 months. Also ,you may have to leave your pet behind if a problem is discovered before you leave. Be careful as to the amount of pets you are travelling with. Pet passports can only be used with up to five pets, any more than this and a new set of regulations have to be adhered to.

Beware – the UK could be leaving the European Union very soon and therefore rules are likely to change!

TOP TIPS FOR PET RELOCATION

We know that pet relocation can be a stressful time for both owner and pet. That’s why we are here to help take some of that stress away! From choosing crates to microchipping your animal – we’ve got it covered!

1. As soon as you know you’re moving find out about your pet’s travel requirements
Some pets may be more difficult to relocate than others, therefore before you start the process its extremely important to find out about the travel requirements of your own pet. For example, not all pets can fly in the cabin or cargo – some pets and breeds cannot fly at all. Your vet can be helpful when travelling with pets who may be more difficult to relocate. A vet will be able to help you assess your options and plan the best course of action.

2. Check the entry requirements for your pet for your new country of residence
Countries have different requirements that they expect from you and your pet to enter. This can get extremely confusing as expectations are unique to the country your pet is travelling to. Therefore, it was vital that you check as soon as possible what these requirements will be. Sometimes it may take a while to get all these documents in order and the list can be quite extensive. For example, pets travelling to Australia need to be microchipped, vaccinated, had a rabies titer test, have an import permit, have a health certificate, treated against internal parasites twice and must have resided in the country continuously since birth or a minimum of 6 months prior to import!

3. Booking your airline – the earlier the better!
Where possible, always try to book a direct flight. This prevents the potential disruption caused to both you and your pet by having to arrange a transfer. Most flights will have a limit on the number of animals they can transport, so it is always better to book sooner rather than later. Additionally, once your flight is booked you can start immediately liaising with the airline about the transportation arrangements with your pet. The earlier this can be done, the more organised and smoother the relocation will be and (hopefully) the less stress you will feel!

4. Contact your vet
Make sure you arrange to meet your vet and discuss your travel plans with them. This is particularly important if your pet is on medication and will need prescriptions in your new country of residence. Most airlines will require documentation from your vet demonstrating your pet is in good health and has had all the required vaccinations to travel or enter another country. Give yourself enough time to make sure you can get this paperwork in order. It’s also a good idea to have the contact details of your vet on hand in case of emergencies as well.

5. Choosing your pet carrier/crate
First make sure you know the size of your pet. Though this may seem obvious, it is vital for your pets’ comfort and safety that you measure them properly and buy a suitably size crate. Your pet should be able to stand up and turn around in it. The crate should have good ventilation and means to secure water and food bowls. Secondly, you must check the requirements of the airline your pet is travelling with. Your pet may have a certain amount of space depending on their size/breed/species and therefore it is very important a crate will fit within this. Airlines can vary in their requirements of crates and carriers and therefore it is essential you check beforehand. The crate you buy also needs to be International Air Transport Association compliant.

6. Pet anxiety
Travelling can be a very anxious time for your pet, particularly if they are travelling long distances and in unfamiliar situations, such as flying. It is therefore, recommended that you allow your pet time to get accustomed to their crate and being locked in it for longer periods of time. Putting a familiar comfort object or favourite toy in the crate can help ease some of their anxiety. However, do not tranquilize your pet, most airlines have policies against it and will not let your animal fly in this state.

7. Ensuring your pet is comfortable
Another way to reduce pet anxiety is ensuring that your pet is going to be comfortable throughout the duration of the trip. Make sure they have had time to run around and go to the toilet before they are put into their crate. This will make them feel more tired and hopefully it’ll easier for them to sleep. Also make sure they have enough food and water that is easily accessible throughout their journey.

8. Identification tags
Make sure that all information on your pet’s identification tags are up to date. This could save a lot of stress and hassle if there were to be a mix up en route. See here for what information should be on a tag.

9. Contact a pet relocation service!
Want the stress of relocating your pet taken away from you? Using a pet relocation service, such as Ferndale Kennels, means that the whole process is taken care of for you. Services that have both expert knowledge and comprehensive facilities means your pet will have a smooth and efficient experience from start to finish. Some services even offer door to door relocation. For more information on the services Ferndale Kennels offers please click here.