If you are planning on taking your dog, cat or ferret on holiday abroad, it is important to plan ahead and ensure that your pet has a valid Pet Passport which is issued by your vet. Any pets travelling from or returning to the UK must have the following:

Microchip

This is a small device (about the size of a grain of rice) inserted under the skin and provides your pet with a unique identity number which can be detected by an electronic scanner.

Rabies vaccination

After the microchip has been implanted your pet will require a rabies vaccination (this can be done on the same day as the microchip but this must be implanted first). You must wait 21 days after the vaccination before you can travel. After the first vaccination and waiting period, you can enter the UK whenever you like as long as booster vaccinations are given on time, booster requirement can be discussed with our vets.

Tapeworm

Before travelling back into the UK from most EU countries your dog must be treated for tapeworm. This treatment must be given by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before the scheduled arrival time in the UK.

Treatment against ticks is no longer compulsory although it is recommended as ticks in mainland Europe can carry potentially life-threatening diseases. You may also wish to protect your pet against other diseases such as leishmaniasis and this can be discussed with your vet. We offer a vaccine for this important disease.

Before planning travel to countries outside the EU, you will need to contact DEFRA to find out about any specific requirements as these will vary for each country. Our vets can then ensure that these particular requirements are fulfilled.

We stress that it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that your pets’ rabies vaccination is up to date and their microchip is readable. We are happy to check this free of charge prior to any travel arrangements.