By Crown Relocations
Summary: In 2000, UK introduced the new Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). It is now possible to bring a pet dog or cat (though currently no other pets) into the UK without subjecting it to quarantine.
An island nation that has remained largely free of rabies throughout its history, the United Kingdom is notorious for the stringent measures it has taken to remain this way. Historically, it has meant enforcing a 183-day quarantine for virtually all domestic pets coming in to the country. The quarantine period is used to observe the pets for behavioral evidence of infection, including restlessness, viciousness and apparent imperviousness to pain.
Though quarantine has been largely successful in keeping rabies at bay, most pet owners agree that it is not an ideal solution: kennel fees can be expensive and the separation difficult for both pet and owner. Additionally, there are those who would claim the practice is cruel, citing the deaths of more than 1,200 quarantined animals throughout the UK over the last ten years. This is why in 2000, the UK government decided to try something new. Under the new Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), it is now possible to bring a pet dog or cat (though currently no other pets) into the UK without subjecting it to quarantine.
In order for a pet to qualify for PETS, you must fulfill the following requirements (in this order) prior to the arrival of your pet in the UK:
Animals that fulfill the PETS requirements will be allowed to enter (or re-enter) the UK without having to undergo six months' quarantine. Currently, countries participating in PETS include: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Monaco, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Vatican, Luxembourg, San Marino, Netherlands, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. At the end of 2002, Canada and the United States also joined the scheme. Also participating are a number of long-haul (non-European) countries that have been determined to be rabies-free, including: Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Japan, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Montserrat, New Caldonia, New Zealand, St. Helena, Singapore, Vanuatu and Wallis & Futuna.
Crown Relocations can assist with pet transfers anywhere in the world as well as all an expatriate's relocation needs. The company is part of the Crown Worldwide Group and a leader in the international relocations industry with over 100 offices in 42 countries.
Along with Crown Relocations, the Crown Worldwide Group is comprised of Crown Records Management, focusing on the management and storage of business records and the Crown Logistics division, providing other specialized transportation, forwarding, and warehousing services to expanding businesses around the globe. For more information visit the company's website at http://www.crownrelo.com.
Crown Relocations is an international relocation expert that has been helping people change their country of residence for nearly 40 years. Crown's staff at over 100 offices in more than 40 countries provide personal assistance on both ends of the move.
I cannot believe this Do humans have to get shots and micro chips? And at a government doctors office? I was looking forward to relocating to Scotland but i can see all the expence we will have and the shipping of our things etc. Now the two cats we have that are 12 years old are going to get it could be two rabies vaccines this is not safe to do to animals because it causes brain problems and tumors.Your vets papers are not enough?And waiting 6 months we would have to do this in 1 1/2 years in order to be ready to live in the UK. This is a dissapointment.
guestAny updates to this information? Bringing two healthy mature cats to Scotland in 2014. Thanks
First Published: Jun 23, 2003
Get a quote for expat health insurance from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
An expat in Cozumel appreciates that good friendships feel like family, the community sticks together and the family-oriented culture.
An expat in Suzhou, China offers great advice about getting to know other expats in Suzhou, acclimating to a new culture, where to live and more.
Pack your bags, because Croatia's much-anticipated Digital Nomad Visa (aka Temporary Digital Nomad Stay) is now law and the application process is in place. This article provides step-by-step instructions about how to apply for the digital nomad visa. Are you eligible? How do you apply? What documents do you need? What are the costs? Can you bring your family?
Merida offers expats just about everything they could ask for... affordable living in a great atmosphere, high quality health care, striking distance to the ocean, and much, much more.
Copyright 1997-2021 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.