QUARANTINE & PETS TRAVEL SCHEME EXPLAINED

UK quarantine is a six month period of confinement for cats and dogs who do not qualify under the PETS Scheme.

1) PETS SCHEME

In addition to the current European Union countries that are qualifying countries, there are further countries in the main, Island States, such as Australia, Japan or Barbados that qualify.

Fundamentally the PETS Scheme enables owners after a minimum seven month period, during which the following criteria have been fulfilled, to bring their pets into the UK from a qualifying country.

1. All pets must be Micro-chipped
2. Only after the micro-chipping should the Rabies vaccination be given in the qualifying country..
3. After a minimum of one month, an appropriately qualified vet must check the micro-chip, and then draw a blood sample and send it to one of the designated Laboratories
4. Providing the blood sample is confirmed as having the necessary minimum anti-body level, the pet can then enter the UK, six months after the date of the blood sample being taken, providing it has not been outside a qualifying country.
5. To enter the UK after this date however, the pet must first be given a Tick and Tape Worm treatment and the necessary paperwork work completed by their suitably qualified vet.
6. If for what ever reason the pet should fail these requirements at the French border control, or the micro-chip cannot be located, the pets will be refused entry. Sometimes the Tick and Tape Worm paperwork is incorrect, and a local Calais vet can remedy this within the next 24 - 48 hours, so enabling entry.
7. If an owner starts the PETS Scheme and then needs to enter the UK before the appropriate date then it is possible for the pet to go into quarantine, until the date that coincides with the six month period after the blood sample has been taken. In that instance they need to follow the details below regarding the quarantine process.

2) QUARANTINE

There are about 50 quarantine premises in the UK, details of which can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine all in private hands and varying in size, facilities and age.

The prime concern of the majority of owners of pets is the welfare of their pets and how they will cope with the deprivation of human company, its comforts and their inability to have free running exercise. The fortunate pet owner will have sufficient time to check out quarantine premises, or have family or friends do so on their behalf and should not always plump for the facility closest to their home. Six months is a long time when to check out premises may only take a day or two. There are excellent websites and premises, but do not buy on price alone, as the time some devote to your pet may be greater than at others. The communication and price package, along with the facilities should enable you to make a better informed decision for the six months your pet is away from you.

Once you have chosen your quarantine premises, you will be required to make a deposit in order to reserve the space. This deposit will vary from premises to premises, from as little as £300 to as much as 75% of the total fees - so buyer beware. Once the quarantine space is booked you'll need to complete the importation paperwork and despatch it with the deposit to the chosen quarantine. They will then make the Import Licence application on your behalf and arrange for the Boarding Document and red rabies label to be sent to your overseas address. You then need to make the necessary transportation arrangements, often there may be a Pet Relocation Agent who may be able to help you with this, for example www.ipata.com Your Pet Relocation Agent will advise you on the particular export health and veterinary needs from your home country - every country in the world differs in its requirements. If not utilising the services of an agent, then you need to ascertain from the relevant export authorities and the transportation company what they require. The size of pet container - particularly by air is governed by legislation and so it is critical to ensure your container is of the correct minimum dimensions and has the necessary and adequate ventilation required. On the day of departure, be sure to follow the vet's advice regarding feeding. Pets can be fastidious and if fed too close to their departure time, may soil their container. It is better they should arrive a little hungry and clean.
Sedation is not advised as if there were any illness or upset, the sedation may mask the symptoms and therefore delay treatment. Only in extreme cases should you sedate your pet prior to travel. If you do sedate, only do so on veterinary advice. Sometimes it may be wise to ask for two doses, so enabling you to sedate your pet at home - 10 days in advance of travel, under observation, in order to note the speed at which the sedation takes effect and the time for which it has an effect. You will then have a more accurate guideline as to when to administer it. Finally, if you do sedate your pet, it is critical that you advise the quarantine premises in advance that you are doing so and advise which particular sedative has been used and at what dosage.

If your pet should become unwell in any way prior to the departure, you must ensure that your vet considers that your pet is fit to travel and free of contagious disease.
Once your travel arrangements have been made, you need to communicate this to the Quarantine premises so they can co-ordinate the collection. If your pet is arriving from outside the EU, you will also need to complete a Customs and Excise form C5. This document is necessary to avoid payment of VAT on your pet and it's carriage to the UK.
Upon arrival in the UK the pet will be transported to the quarantine and within 48 hours the Veterinary Superintendent will examine the pet and give it a rabies vaccination. Your pet will then remain in the quarantine for six calendar months, eg. Arrival 10th March will see the pet being released on 9th September.
Contractual and visiting arrangements will vary widely and are best clarified, prior to entering any arrangements.