This message MUST NOT be used as your only source of information!!!

This is a condensed version of the PETS material I've posted before, but
I must stress that it hasn't been fact-checked by a UK vet several
years. In all of what follows please try to bear in mind that there
seems to be some confusion about arrangements in different parts of
Europe, and problems with British authorities rejecting certificates
written in foreign languages. It also seems likely that arrangements for
travelling with animals may be affected by the current concerns
regarding foot and mouth and terrorism.

The PETS Pilot Scheme

This is a SUMMARY of the PETS pilot scheme, consolidating and abridging 
the contents of multiple messages posted previously. The MAFF website 
http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm. may have more 
up-to-date details. Some new on-line resources include

A PDF file at:-

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/factsheet/petslonghaul.pdf

The summary for the site reads: The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) Long Haul 
Countries The Pet Travel Scheme allows pet dogs and cats from certain 
countries to enter or re- enter the UK without quarantine as long as 
they meet certain rules. non- European) PETS country (including UK
pets... (Size: 98k,   Last Modified: mon, 01 october 2001.

Another PDF file at:-

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/factsheet/petseurope.pdf
Summary: The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) European Countries The Pet
Travel Scheme allows pet dogs and cats from certain countries to enter
or re- enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain
rules. This fact sheet explains what steps you need to take.
(Size: 96k,   Last Modified: mon, 01 october 2001.

When the DEFRA site comes up enter PETS in the search box (top right on 
screen) to see what else is available.


The PETS pilot scheme allows animals to be bought _into_ the UK from
qualifying countries provided they have a pet passport and are immune to 
rabies. The current qualifying countries are:

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus (probably both halves
but you are advised to check!), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta,
Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Vatican

and the following islands

Antigua and Barbuda, Ascention Island, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda,
Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia,
Guadaloupe, Hawaii, Jamaica, Japan, La Reunion, Malta, Martinique,
Mauritius, Mayotte, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, St. Helena, 
St. Kitts and Nevice, St. Vincent, Singapore, Vanuatu, Wallis and 
Fortuna

Only certain ports and carriers may be used.

1: Animals resident in the UK which were tested and passed for rabies
immunity before 28/2/2000 are permitted to return to the UK at any time

2: Animals tested after that date must wait six months from a pass
before they are permitted to return to the UK.

Schedule for qualification
Day 1: insertion of the microchip and administration of the first dose
of rabies vaccine.

Day 15: second dose of vaccine (optional; maximises chance of an
eventual pass)

Day 45 (or day 31 if second dose was omitted): blood sample collected.
Results may take several weeks, but the six month period after testing
begins when the sample is taken _if_ the test is passed.

Six months after collection of the blood sample the animal can *return*
to the UK. It can be taken abroad earlier provided all paperwork has
been completed and a pet passport has been acquired, but can't return
until the six months have passed.

24 to a maximum of 48 hours before returning to the UK the pet must be
given an anti-parasite treatment by a vet, and a certificate must be
issued to show that this has been done. It's advisable to arrange this
some time before travelling, and ensure that the vet is ready to issue
the certificate. Animals taken abroad for less than 48 hours can be
given this treatment before they leave the UK.

On arrival in the UK you must give in a declaration saying that your pet
has not been outside the qualifying countries for the PETS scheme in the 
six months previously. It is probably advisable to collect a copy of the 
form before leaving the UK.

The scheme does not prevent animals from leaving the UK without these 
vaccinations and tests, but you will not be allowed to bring them into 
the UK without them, and any failure to comply with the regulations will 
lead to at least a six month delay abroad or in quarantine in the UK.
Note that any other country entered, or passed through, will have its
own entry requirements for animals, which may differ to those of the UK,
It is vital to check that you comply with the relevant laws in every
country you pass through. Check with your vet, check the MAFF web site 
at

http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm.

and check the laws of the countries you intend to visit on this site and
with embassies etc. The site lists the countries which can be visited, 
explains which carriers and ports are permitted for re-entry under the 
scheme, and has contact email addresses and phone numbers for specific 
queries.

It is important to realise that the scheme is designed to protect
animals in Britain from parasites and diseases bought in from abroad.
Its requirements do NOT necessarily guarantee that your pet is safe from 
these dangers, and British animals may have no immunity to parasites and 
diseases found in some of the qualifying countries. You should obtain 
all relevant vaccinations for every country you intend to visit, and 
seek professional help if your pet seems to be unwell while you are 
abroad. A particular risk is Babesia, a parasite carried by ticks; if
pets are infected before they return to Britain the anti-parasite
treatment will kill the ticks, stopping the disease from spreading, but
will do nothing to protect the pet from the internal parasite.



Avoiding UK quarantine under the PETS scheme - animals from non-
qualifying countries.

When the Pet Travel Scheme was introduced it became possible for pet
owners from non-qualifying countries to use it to avoid placing their
pets in UK quarantine. This can be done by completing the qualification
process in a qualifying country, usually in Europe.

The pet must be legally imported into a qualifying country and kept
there while preparations for entry into the UK under PETS are completed. 
It is important to note that some European countries have their own 
requirements which differ from the UK, and a good understanding of both 
countries requirements is needed to ensure that all is done correctly.

The usual route is to import pets into France, having made arrangements 
for their stay in advance. The advantage of France is closeness to the 
UK, making visits straightforward. Owners can choose whichever option is 
most suitable and can make private arrangements between friends or 
employ a professional pet sitter. This option can be very expensive as a 
suitable property must also be found. Alternatively a professional 
arrangement can be made, either with a boarding kennels (although for 
many owners this defeats the object, which is to avoid long term 
kennelling) or with a professional home board service arranged by a pet 
care company.

The process takes a minimum of six months, provided you have done some 
advance preparation, but this option lets anyone, irrespective of their 
country of origin, avoid putting their pet into UK quarantine for six
months. Professional advice is essential.

Free professional advice on how to use this option in France is
available by e-mail to info@ledogstop.com
-- 
Marcus L. Rowland
"Boy... _These_ things are a cinch!"
[God makes the snake - Gary Larson]
http://www.forgottenfutures.com/
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/forgottenfutures