A pet passport contains numerous pieces of information relating to the animal’s health and vaccination history. The passport may be a document such as a pink A4 sheet, or could be a small blue booklet.

The passport contains the animal’s micro-chip number and evidence of an up to date rabies vaccination. The passport must be signed by an approved veterinary surgeon to certify its validity.

There are certain features of pet passports that all member countries demand. These include:

• Evidence of certified rabies vaccination and (usually) a blood serology test to confirm that the vaccination has taken effect.
• Subcutaneous (beneath the skin) micro-chip implant.

Some countries will require:

• A vet’s letter confirming that the animal is fit to travel.
• That the animal be inspected for ticks, fleas and tapeworm between 24 and 48 hours before boarding.

It is very important to research each country’s regulations before travelling to ensure that your pet meets the necessary criteria and will be allowed to both enter and leave the country.

For animals entering the UK, the regulations require:

• The animal to be inspected for ticks, parasites and tapeworm between 24 and 48 hours prior to arrival.
• Animals to be checked in as cargo, not ‘checked baggage’.

To obtain a passport for your dog, cat or ferret, you will need to visit a veterinary surgeon, who will examine your pet, provide it with the necessary vaccinations and ensure it is micro-chipped. If your pet complies with the necessary requirements, the vet will sign a set of documents and these will act as the animal’s passport.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your pet meets the requirements of PETS for travelling abroad. Failing to provide correct documentation, or evidence that your pet’s vaccinations have been carried out in good time and in the correct order could result in your pet being quarantined. This is likely to cause delay to your journey and will cost you money.

It can take several months to ensure that you have completed all the requirements necessary for a pet passport (including vaccinations and the correct documentation), so make sure you research pet passports thoroughly, well in advance of when you are hoping to travel.

For more information on the requirements of pet passports, and which countries are part of the scheme, call the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on 0870 241 1710 or visit www.defra.gov.uk.