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If you are going abroad and wish to take your pet cat or dog with you, the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) could allow you to avoid long quarantine periods when you return to the UK. Working guide and hearing dogs may also travel on the scheme.

The PETS scheme Countries participating in PETS include most parts of Europe, and many non-European destinations. Check the current position with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

To be eligible, your cat or dog must:

* be fitted with a microchip
* be vaccinated against rabies
* be blood tested by a European Union approved laboratory.

A pet may not enter/re-enter the UK under the Scheme until 6 calendar months have passed from the date that the blood sample was taken that gave a satisfactory result (assuming that all other rules of the PETS scheme have been met) Pets must also:

* be issued with a pet passport by their vet
* be treated for tapeworm and ticks, not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before checking in with a PETS approved carrier for the journey back to the UK travel via PETS approved sea, air and rail routes. Owners must also sign a declaration of residency.

Visit the PETS website for details of the Pet Travel Scheme (see above)

PETS: Contact details

You can get more information about the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and quarantine by contacting Defra:

PETS helpline

Telephone: +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time)
Fax: +44 (0) 1245 458749
Email: pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk (please enclose your postal address and a day time telephone number)

QUARANTINE SECTION

Animal Health Government Offices
Beeches Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 2RU
Telephone: +44 (0) 1245 358383
Fax: +44 (0) 1245 458749
Email: quarantine@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Please include your postal address and a daytime telephone number.

UK MICROCHIP MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIERS:

You should note that certain scanners and microchips are not compatible with each other. Before buying a scanner therefore, it is essential to check with the manufacturer that it will be capable of reading the microchip that you want to have read.