EU Pet Passports are required for transporting pets in Europe

A European Pet Passport is required for transporting pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) across Europe. It must show the microchip number, date of implantation and relevant rabies vaccinations. It is the pet owner's responsibility to ensure that the pet passport is valid for travel.

If you are travelling from continental Europe to the UK - with a dog, cat or ferret - you'll also need to make sure you meet the additional requirements of the UK government's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). These requirements were updated on 1st January 2012 and are now: an up-to-date rabies vaccination, after which, if it is a first, 21 days must have elapsed, plus treatment against Echinococcus (tapeworm) which must be administered by a vet, between 24-120 hours prior to embarkation on the cross-Channel ferry/train, and signed and stamped by the vet on the relevant page of the Pet Passport. PetChauffeur can help organise this if/when necessary. Any dog, cat or ferret not complying with these additional requirements for entry into the UK will have to go into quarantine kennels.

For full information about PETS and pet passports, quarantine in the UK for animals that don't qualify for PETS, and EU regulations on the movement of pets, see the DEFRA website.

If, for any reason, your pet doesn't qualify for PETS, PetChauffeur is happy to arrange quarantine services for you.

Pets travelling to the UK from outside the EU must carry a Third Country Certificate, this is valid for ten days. Your vet will be able to advise you on this.