Taking your pets abroad
Some advice and information about the procedures involved when taking your animals to other countries. Emigrating or moving abroad for work? Or taking your dog or horse on holiday to Europe? You can even take your goat or pig with you if you move to Spain! (for example).
Taking your pet abroad
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS - DEFRA website) was the initiative which allows easy travel for your dog, cat or ferret (yes, ferret). The PETS 1 certificate has now been replaced by EU Pet Passports, but your animal's PETS certificate can still be used until its 'valid to' date, providing regular rabies booster injections have been maintained. Check with your vet that the country you are travelling to does not also require an Export Health Certificate for entry.
EU Pet Passports allow pets freedom of movement between all European countries and also contain a section where tick and tapeworm treatment can be recorded.
Tick and tapworm treatment must be carried out between 24 and 48 hours before you check in with an approved transport company on the journey that brings your pet back to the UK. If you are using a PETS certificate, a separate document will be needed to record the treatment. A vet must administer the treatment and issue the certificate for doing so.
You are advised to check the vet can issue the certificate (if using a PETS certificate) before you go to them, and that they have a scanner to record your pets microchip. Ledogstop.com is a site with some suggestions of vets in Europe who have scanners.
PETS participating countries outside the EU.
The process for obtaining an EU Pet Passport is as follows:
- Microchip your pet
- Rabies vaccination
- Blood tested for the rabies antibodies - this test must be carried out with satisfactory results at least 6 months before you want to bring your pet back into the UK, so plan ahead!
There is a vast array of websites which explain what to do to take your dog on holiday. Directgov has futher information on the EU Pet Passport and on caring for your pet abroad.
Do not forget that pets can only re-enter the UK via approved routes. If you are travelling by car ferry, these routes are as follows:
| Country | From | To | Ferry company |
| France | Calais | Dover | P&O Ferries - will also accept foot passengers with pets. SeaFrance. |
| Caen | Portsmouth | Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries | |
| Cherbourg | Plymouth | Brittany Ferries | |
| Cherbourg | Poole | Brittany Ferries | |
| Cherbourg | Portsmouth | Brittany Ferries | |
| Dieppe | Newhaven | Transmanche Ferries | |
| Dunkerque | Dover | Norfolkline | |
| Le Havre | Portsmouth | Louis Dreyfus Lines | |
| St Malo | Portsmouth | Brittany Ferries | |
| Belgium | Zeebrugge | Hull | P&O Ferries |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam | North Shields | DFDS Seaways |
| Hook of Holland | Harwich | Stena Line - also take foot passengers with pets. | |
| Rotterdam | Hull | P&O Ferries | |
| Spain | Santander | Portsmouth | Brittany Ferries |
| Santander | Plymouth | Brittany Ferries | |
| Portugal | Horta | Southampton | P&O Ferries |
| Madeira | Southampton | P&O Ferries |
Regulations in other countries
Some countries may have different regulations for dogs and other animals while they are there. Make sure you check before you go, and don't forget the countries you will be travelling through if you are driving. Many European countries are dog-friendly, more so than the UK, with dogs being allowed into restaurants and in the cabins of airlines.
For example, in Italy it is mandatory to use a muzzle for dogs that walk on the streets or any open space without a leash, and a muzzle and a leash for dogs in public places and public transportation.
Dogs and other animals are not allowed on all trains in Spain, Ireland, or Norway but are allowed on many of the local trains.
In Germany dogs must wear a collar showing their owner's name and address.
Look out for strange dogs approaching your dog as rabies is present in Europe.
Taking other animals abroad
Do you want to take your goat, pig or beloved Guernsey cow abroad with you when you emigrate? It is possible, and the paperwork your animal requires is very similar to that for horses.
You will need to apply to DEFRA for a health certificate for the country to which the animal is going (this applies to cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, related zoo species, commerial rabbits and hares to the EU). DEFRA will send this directly to your vet with whom you will need to make an appointment for them to see the animal and sign the certificate. You will also need to apply to DEFRA for the appropriate movement licence required for each type of animal you are moving. Additionally you will need to check that there are no other requirements for import to the destination country (although most of these will be health restrictions and be covered in the health certificate signed by your vet).
We hope you have found this advice useful. If you would like to get in touch, contact us on info@gettingoutofhere.net. For any problems with the website email contact@allthezs.co.uk.