Top tips - travelling to or returning to the UK with your pet?

Make sure your pet meets the rules of the Scheme

• Dogs and cats
• Ferrets
• Rabbits and rodents

Microchip number (dogs, cats and ferrets)

Make sure your pet's microchip number has been correctly recorded on all its documents.

Make sure you get the vet to read your pet's microchip number now ahead of travelling abroad next summer and every time you visit.

EU Regulation on pet animals

You need to know about this

Make sure you get your pet's booster vaccination done on time

Look at the 'Valid until' date on your PETS documentation. You must get your pet dog, cat or ferret revaccinated against rabies by this date.

Tick and tapeworm treatment

Think about contacting a vet in plenty of time before you plan to return or come to the UK so that you can arrange for your dog, cat or ferret to receive this treatment. Remember your pet must be treated between 24 and 48 hours before being checked-in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.

Make sure the vet checks your pet's microchip number before giving the treatment.

Before you leave the vet's surgery, make sure that the documentation has been fully and correctly completed. In particular, make sure that the date of treatment and the time of treatment (using the 24 hour clock) have been correctly filled in. The vet must also note the products used to treat your pet.

For dogs and cats travelling with a PETS certificate, make sure in advance that a vet will be able to issue a certificate of tick and tapeworm treatment. Make sure the certificate is correctly completed. In addition to the information noted in the previous paragraph make sure the microchip number is also correctly recorded.

Travelling to the UK

To avoid quarantine, make sure your dog, cat or ferret enters the UK with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

Check the cost and all the procedures of travelling with your pet to the UK with your preferred transport company before making a booking.

Travelling in hot weather

Animals should never be left in vehicles in direct strong sunshine and/or high temperatures as it is difficult to ensure sufficient ventilation to keep them cool. Unless animals are fully acclimatised, overheating, distress and suffering is likely when the temperature exceeds 25 degrees Celsius for more than a few minutes. The temperature in a car in full sun on a hot day can rise to double that outside of the vehicle in a short time, leading rapidly to distress for any animal in the vehicle.

Contact the PETS Helpline if you want more advice or if you are unsure about the rules.