After seeing a dog today on work experience be issued with a rabies vaccine and a pet passport I decided it was time for me to investigate the benefits of a Pet Travel Scheme for myself, especially after the vet went through the numerous rules and regulations regarding pet travel with the owner.
The scheme changed in January 2012 to ensure the UK had similar method to the rest of Euope when allowing animals to move across borders. Quarantine is now no longer as common with pets being able to travel in and out of countries without being withheld so long as they meet a set standard. These standards are in place to prevent the entry and spread of rabies into this country as well as other potential problems such as ticks from other territories capable of passing on harmful diseases.
In preparation for leaving this country, a cat, dog or ferret must firstly be microchipped in order to act as a way of identifying an animal. Next the animal must be up to date with its rabies vaccinations and must have a record of these vaccinations kept in the passport it is issued with and signed by a veterinarian. After the rabies vaccine has been issued a pet may leave the country at any time, however it may not return back to the UK in under 21 days, as this is the time period specified in which to give time for the vaccine to work fully. Before coming back to the UK all animals must be treated for tapeworms and ticks and proof that the relevant treatment has been given must be provided. This proof comes from the vet in another country watching you place the appropriate treatment onto the animal and signing it off in the pet passport to say it has been completed. The treatment must be given 1-5 days before returning to this country, however cannot be given in under 24 hours or over 120 hours before return.
If the animal is returning from a non EU country, there are additional steps to the process. A blood test must have been arranged to prove that the rabies vaccine has built up a satisfactory level of immunity and must be taken at least 30 days before returning. A third country veterinary certificate needs to also be obtained and the animal must also enter the country with a trusted and well respected animal transport company.
Looking over the different steps of the Pet Travel Scheme I do believe it to be beneficial and much better than placing animals in quarantine for a period of time which could cause the animals additional stress and trauma on top of that caused by prior travelling. The scheme ensures that the animals and people of the UK remains protected from rabies which is a zoonotic disease which causes inflammation of the brain, in addition to other diseases and parasites not usually seen in this country which could be otherwise introduced if careful documentation and regulations were not present. Overall I see it as a force for good in protecting both animal and human health in the UK whilst allowing pets to join their owners whilst abroad.
Sources: Vet School by Christopher Shivelton Queen
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me.
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