Want to enjoy hassle-free travel to the U.K.? but don’t know how to handle pets during international traveling? Stop here…let me give you the ultimate guide to the Pet Travel Scheme.
Although you love your furry friend, there are strict pets when you travel internationally, especially in the U.K. PETS stands for the Pet Travel Scheme. This scheme tells you the simple process of traveling with animals without quarantining them.
This article will cover all the important points related to pet travel schemes, countries, and information.
Let’s get started.
Everything you need to know about the Pet Travel Scheme
In 2000, the DEFRA (Department for Environment, food, and Rural Affairs) announced new guidelines related to pet traveling. This scheme replaced the outdated quarantine system with a stress-free program. According to the pet travel scheme, dogs, cats, and ferrets can travel within specific countries ( European Union members).
Furthermore, the pet travel scheme makes sure to prevent any diseases from spreading. For this reason, the pets have to pass some specific health requirements.
Here are some key requirements for your pet according to PET:
- A microchip must be placed on your pet for identification purposes.
- Proper vaccination of pets (rabies).
- Health certificate.
Countries Covered by the Pet Travel Scheme
Pet travel scheme includes mostly the European Union countries and also some of the non-European countries.
EU Countries
You will see all European Union states are on this list. Examples include:
- France
- Ireland
- Austria
- Balearic Islands
- Canary Islands
- Luxembourg
- Madeira
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portuga
- Cyprus
- Finland
- Germany
- Greece
- Portugal
- Greenland
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
Non-EU Countries
Some Non-European Union countries are on the list, such as
- Australia
- New Zealand
- USA
- Canada
Some non-EU countries, known as “listed countries,” are also part of the scheme. These include popular destinations like the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Pets traveling to or from these countries can also avoid quarantine under the scheme.
Furthermore, you can check the updated list of countries from the UK government’s official website. You can also dial the helpline number of the ALPHA pet travel scheme for updates.
How the Pet Travel Scheme Works
Now, the most asked question is how this pet scheme works. You simply have to follow the simple following steps.
- Microchipping
According to the pet travel scheme, the pets must have ISO– ISO-compatible microchips.
Microchipping is the insertion of a grain-like chip into your pet. This chip contains the database. Moreover, it is also important for the identification.
Besides, this chip is easily scannable at checkpoints while traveling for a hassle-free experience.
- Rabies Vaccination:
The second important rule is the rabies vaccination of dogs. So, you must take your dog for vaccination 21 days before leaving for the EU country.
Moreover, make sure to know the valid duration of vaccination. For example, 3 years is a valid vaccine duration for dogs.
- Pet Passport or Health Certificate:
The third step in the pet travel scheme is needing a pet passport and animal health certificate. A pet passport is vital if you carry your pet from the EU to the UK or within the EU. On the other hand, an official vet certificate is enough if you are traveling to non-EU countries.
Moreover, according to recent reports,
“The UK government now issues AHC (animal health certificate) in place of the pet passports.”
This certificate costs £99 for the first pet. Whereas, in case of emergency, it costs up to £199.
- Tapeworm Treatment:
The fourth step in the Pet travel scheme is tapeworm treatment. The tapeworm treatment is required if you are traveling to the following countries:
- Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland)
- Ireland
- Finland
- Norway
So, make sure to vaccinate your pets approximately 5 days before traveling.
- Travel Arrangements:
Lastly, pick the right airline. Because not all airlines or travel companies are part of a pet travel scheme. So, make sure that your chosen company is approved under the scheme.
According to the reports for 2024, the following companies have been approved under the pet schemes:
- British Airways
- Emirates
- KLM
- Air Canada
- Thai Airways
- Iberia
- Aeromexico
- Kenya Airways
- American Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- TUI Group
- Singapore Airlines
- Air New Zealand
Additionally, you can keep your pets in cabins while traveling with Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France in the UK.
Pet Travel Scheme for Dogs
Dogs are the friendliest among the other pets. Dogs usually travel with their owner due to their energetic nature and small size.
If you are a dog owner, ensure your dog is microchipped and properly vaccinated. In addition, you must know which breeds of dogs are banned by the UK government, such as Presa Canario, Dogo Argentino, or American Pit Bull Terrier.
Pet Travel Scheme in the EU and Beyond
There is a new update for the post-Brexit (British citizens who travel briefly to the EU)
AHF passport is the new requirement for traveling with your pets to the EU.
However, if you are traveling beyond the EU, you must take additional steps. Each non-EU country has its own rules and regulations. So, make sure to consult the UK government before traveling.
Pet Travel Scheme in Ireland and Scotland
If you are planning to travel with your pets to Ireland and Scotland for vacation, Then you must know the additional requirements for the travel scheme.
However, there are specific rules for these regions:
- Ireland: Be mindful of the tapeworm treatment requirement for dogs.
- Scotland: Check local regulations, especially if you’re traveling from a non-EU country.
According to 2021 reports,
England, Scotland, and Wales will also require the AHC (Animal Health Certificate), whereas pet owners in Ireland can use the pet passport.”
APHA(Animal and Plant Health Agency) Helpline
Still confused about the pet scheme? And the time is running out.
The UK government has introduced the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) helpline to solve pet travel-related problems.
In brief, this ALPHA helpline clears your doubts about microchipping, vaccination, and documentation. The helpline number is on the UK government’s official website.
DEFRA and the Pet Travel Scheme
UK government has implemented the rules and regulations through DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). DEFRA sets the rules that are included in the scheme.
They provide guidelines and updates on any changes to the scheme. Additionally, it also updates on the context of Brexit and its impact on pet travel between the UK and EU countries.
Pet Travel UK: Tips for a Smooth Journey
The safety of your little friend is very important. Don’t get lazy about that. Here are some of the best pet travel safety tips.
- Start the earlier vaccination process.
- Complete the paperwork and important treatments.
- Double-check the documents. (According to latest requirements)
- Try to go for direct flights to save your pet from exhaustion.
- Pre-checkups of the pet by a veterinarian are necessary.
- Ensure that your pet is fit and fine to travel.
- Be alert in the crowd.
- Keep the necessary belongings of the pet.
- Keep the pet food.
- Try not to use tranquilizers for pets.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, traveling seems boring without your little furry friends( cats, dogs, or ferrets). This article covers all the details about the pet travel scheme, how it works, and the information about countries. So get ready for hassle-free traveling in the UK with your little buddy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I travel free with my pet?
No, you can’t travel free with your pets. Only service pets are allowed to travel free. So, you must be prepared to pay some dollars for the flight.
2. Which countries are part of the Pet Travel Scheme?
All the EU and some non-EU countries (the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) are part of this scheme. Moreover, the extra conditions are also implemented in some countries.
3. What documents do I need for my pet to travel?
Your pet will need a pet passport (for travel within the EU) or an Animal Health Certificate (for travel to non-EU countries). These documents confirm that your pet meets the health requirements of the pet travel scheme.
