Taking your dog to England (UK) – An easy guide to DEFRA’s Pet Travel Scheme and quarantine regulations explained

DEFRA’s Pet travel scheme (PETS) is good news if you’re planning to bring your dog on your next holiday to the UK. It means that you can travel together into the UK without forcing your best friend into quarantine. Historically dogs and pets travelling into the UK would have had to spend six months in quarantine kennels, but thanks to DEFRA’s new Pets Travel Scheme you can take your dog into the UK without hassle. There are a couple of rules in place to keep the UK free from Rabies and some other diseases, but the Pets Travel Scheme process is streamlined and easy to follow.

1. Check that the country you’re travelling from is one of DEFRA’s qualifying (listed) countries. If your country is not on the list, your dog will still have to be quarantined for six months.

2. Have your dog microchipped – this is a simple and fast procedure and must be done before any of the other procedures for PETS is carried out

3. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and ensure your vet takes his microchip details down at the same time.

4. Arrange a blood test to ensure the vaccine has worked and your dog is protected against rabies. This can be done a couple of weeks after the vaccination.

5. Get your PETS documentation. If you’re bringing your dog from the EU to the UK you will need an EU pet passport, if you’re taking your dog from a non – EU listed country to the UK you will need an official third country veterinary certificate. Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports.

6. Wait six months. Your dog can only travel into the UK six months after his blood tests have been approved. It may seem a long time to wait – but its much nicer for your dog to wait 6 months in the comfort of your own home, than inside the old quarantine kennels!

7. Arrange transport for your dog with an approved transport company on an authorized route. DEFRA list these on their website.

8. Treat your dog against ticks and tapeworm – this must be done not less than 24 hours and note more than 48 hours before your dog is checked in with an approved transport company for your journey to the UK.

That's it in a nutshell – but as this is a strictly regulated scheme, it is worth reading through all of DEFRA’s detailed information before you start planning your dog's holiday!

This article was written by Linda Bliss. I am earning money online by writing here at HubPages.com. Would you like to earn money online too? Read the success stories and sign up today to get started!