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Advice for pet owners travelling abroad, with a specific section for dogs
Going on holiday with your pet is now easier than ever with the Pet Travel Scheme. This system allows travel within the EU (or into the EU from another 'listed' country) as long as your pet meets the conditions of the scheme. It also means that animals which reside in the UK can go on holiday and come back into the UK without the need for quarantine. The rules set out by the scheme are in place to keep the UK free from Rabies and other diseases.
Full information about PETS can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
Please be aware that the Pet Travel Scheme does not apply to all countries. If you are in any doubt, please check with DEFRA to ensure the correct requirements are met for the country you are travelling to.
In order for the vet to issue a passport for your pet, there are a couple of things which need to be done.
Once these criteria have been fulfilled, a passport can be issued. When collecting a pet passport from us, we ask you to read through it carefully to ensure no mistakes have been made.
Now you have a passport for your pet, you can start travelling with him or her. There are a few things to remember when going on holiday, some are requirements for re-entry into the UK and some are suggestions to ensure a pleasant holiday for all!!
The rabies vaccination is valid for three years and it is your responsibility to ensure a booster is given on time. We do our best to post reminders but it is not a fool proof system! Make sure you double check your pet's passport at the same time as checking the dates on yours!
When returning to Britain, between 24 and 120 hours (one to five days) before your arrival in Britain, a specific parasite treatment against Tapeworm must be given to dogs by a vet in the E.U. The details of this treatment are to be recorded in the E.U. Pet Passport.
Cats do not require any parasite treatment to be given.
Living abroad: If you are spending significant time abroad, it may be necessary to have a Rabies vaccine annually, if required by the laws of the country where you are staying.
Below you will find some specific advice for dog owners travelling abroad. This covers additional dangers which may be present at your holiday destination and will hopefully allow you to be fully prepared to make your holiday an enjoyable experience for all!
If you intend to visit rural areas, it would be a wise precaution to treat your dog with Frontline beforehand. Although preventive treatment will help control ticks, it cannot guarantee freedom from ticks and tick-borne disease. Each evening, your dog should be examined for ticks. Ticks should be removed promptly if found. The best aid for tick removal is the O'Tom Tick Remover. Buy one.
There are some risks of disease to your dog in Europe, especially further south. If you decide to travel with your dog, then northern France is the safest area. Taking precautions to reduce risk of disease is sensible and useful but cannot eliminate risk entirely.
If travelling to Southern Europe, heartworm should be prevented by treating your dog with 'Stronghold' just before you travel and every 30 days after until you return. Be sure to apply it on one occasion after you return.
Take an O'Tom Tick Remover with you. Check through the coat each evening and remove all ticks if you have been visiting the country. Apply Frontline Spot On, to kill off any ticks you may miss.
Consider buying a collar containing the insecticide 'deltamethrin' if you are spending time in areas affected by sandflies in Southern Europe (woodland and the beach).
For any further information or advice, please do not hesitate to contact the practice and speak to one of our staff.
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