New U.K. Pet Travel Rules for 2012
New
rules on pet travel will align U.K. rabies vaccine law with the rest
of Europe as of Jan 1st, 2012.
The British Veterinary
Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association
(BSAVA) advise veterinarians to alert clients traveling abroad with
pets of the change in law.
Dogs,
cats and ferrets entering the U.K. must be microchipped, vaccinated
against rabies, have waited 21 days after rabies vaccination before
entering the U.K. and have a European Pet Passport. The current
requirement to carry out a blood test followed by a six-month wait
before entry into the UK will not be required.
Importing Pets - EU States (UK, etc.)
As of October 2004 to 1st January 2012 - with the
blue Pet Passport. See the following from bringing your pets to
Spain from the UK:
Dogs, cats and ferrets over three months
- Identification by chip or legible tattoo. Following a
transitional period of eight years (until 2012) chips will be the
only valid form of ID.
- Valid rabies vaccination
- New vaccination pass as set out by the EU Commission (Blue Pet
Passport)
Dogs, cats and ferrets under three months
- the holder carries a certificate to clearly identify the
animal (Blue Pet Passport with identification chip or legible
tattoo)
- the holder carries a confirmation by an authorized
veterinarian that declares that the animal was so far only kept at
its place of birth
- the young animal is still dependant on and has to accompany
its mother.
Dogs, cats and ferrets -
General
- Animals transported must be accompanied by
their owners.
- A certificate (with Spanish translation
attached) stating that the pets have been under the owner's
supervision for three months prior to importation.
- The certificate should include a declaration
that the pets are not intended for trade and that the owners
accept presenting their pets for medical checks to recognized
Veterinary Officers in accordance with legislation.
- There are specific rules for different kinds
of pets (dogs and cats, birds, monkeys and other kinds). In
general all pets will need a certificate of origin and health
which is valid for ten days only and will need to show that they
have valid anti-rabies inoculation (last twelve months or six in
some cases) except for pets under three months of age.
- Additionally for birds, monkeys and other
species a certificate stating that there has been no local
outbreak of disease that would affect that species for the last 60
days. For fuller advice please contact your local Spanish Consul.
- Owners who are only coming out for a
temporary stay should bear in mind the strict importation controls
still current in the U.K.
- VERY IMPORTANT: You must obtain X-Spot drops
or the Scalibor Anti-Parasite collar and place this on your dog's
neck 15 days before your arrival in Spain to give protection
against mosquitos and the Leishmania disease which is
prevalent in Mediterranean countries.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Another potential killer
disease is Heartworm disease, known in Spain as 'Filaria',
caused by a bite from a sandfly (a smaller type
of mosquito). For this disease it is vital to protect
your dog against infection with either an annual 'Guardian'
vaccination or a monthly tablet.
Taking animals out of Spain can
be complicated. The requirements depend on the country of
destination and the countries that you will be travelling
through. It is imperative that you visit a local vet
before you travel, taking all documenation with you, to check that
your pet meets the requirements so that it will not go into a
quarantine kennel in the country of destination. For
dogs, cats and ferrets the requirements for travel to the UK are
simplified from 1st January
2012. |