Pet Passports 

New Pet Passports – Client information

1.         We have now received the new style Pet Passports from DEFRA – these are officially known as PETS1 Passports, as opposed to the old PETS1 Certificates.

2.         The old PETS1 Certificates remain valid until they expire.

3.         New Passports will allow dogs, cats and ferrets to move freely between EU Member States and to re-enter Member States from non-EU participating countries.  However, if travelling on an old PETS1 Certificate, we would suggest telephoning DEFRA to check if import certificates are necessary as this is far from clear in our guidance notes.  To enter a non-EU country, official import certificates will still be required.

How do I obtain a PETS1 Passport?

!           Firstly, your pet must be microchipped.

!           Once microchipped a rabies vaccine can be administered.  This can be done immediately after microchipping.  We usually give a second dose of the vaccine after three weeks, although this is not absolutely necessary.

!           Not less than 30 days after the rabies vaccine has been given, a blood sample is taken and submitted to the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Weybridge where the antibody levels against rabies are measured.  Provided these are adequate, we are able to issue a Passport that will be valid from 6 months after the date of taking the blood sample until the day the rabies booster is due.  (Two years from the date of the primary vaccination in the case of dogs and one year in the case of cats).

!            Provided your pet received a booster rabies vaccine by the specified date, the Passport will remain valid until the next booster is due.  If you go over the specified revaccination date, the passport becomes invalid and the whole blood sampling/6 month wait must be repeated.