The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows you to travel with your dog to European Union countries from within the United Kingdom.

To be allowed to travel your pet must:

  • Have a pet passport
  • Be microchipped
  • Be vaccinated against rabies and be treated for worms

 

If you don’t follow these rules your dog won’t be allowed to travel with you. It is important to remember to also follow these rules when returning to the UK with your pet. Failure to do so may result in your dog being quarantined for up to four months and you will be responsible for all fees that occur.

 

Worm and Rabies Treatment

 

You will need to plan ahead for vaccinations. Rabies jabs must be administered at least 21 days before your departure date and the date will be recorded on the dog’s microchip. Your vet should also make a record of the shot on the dog’s vaccination record.

Worm treatments, including tapeworm, roundworm and hookworm medications, should be given to your dog between one and five days before departure and return.

If you’re travelling to, or returning from, a non-EU country, then a local veterinarian will also need to declare that the dog is fit and healthy to travel by providing an Export Certificate.

 

Check if the Travel Company Accepts Pets

 

Most low budget carries such as easyJet and Ryanair do not allow pets or any live animals to be taken onto their planes. Therefore, it is very important to find out if the airline or ferry company you are travelling with accept pets before you book tickets.

Many countries, including all EU countries, have pre-approved companies that they will only accept live cargo from. This is called the Approved Routes list.

The UK government has complete list of approved airlines and approved ferry services. The Eurostar is also on the approved list

 

Other Things to Consider

 

  • Your dog must not arrive back in the UK more than five days before you, otherwise you must follow the more complicated and costly Balai Directive Guidelines on livestock.
  • You must also complete a declaration form stating that you are not going to sell or transfer ownership of your dog.