Monday 4 October 2010

Taking pets with you to France

One of the many advantages of of taking a ferry instead of flying to France is the ease with which you can take your pet with you. At one time you were almost obliged to put your dog in kennels during a family holiday or try to leave it with a trusted friend. Kennels or friends can be expensive options in either costs or lost friends who have found your dog more of a handfull than anticipated.

At one time it was necessary to leave your pet in an expensive quarantine facility when returning from France depriving you of both money and your pet for some time. This was necessary in order to reduce the spread of rabies and other diseases to the UK.

To ensure you do not need to have your pet quarantined for six months on your return from France you must follow the following steps:-
  • Your pet must be microchipped and vacanated against rabies at least 21 days before travelling to another EU country
  • Dogs and cats have to be blood tested by an approved laboratory - you must have the results of this blood test at least six months before you travel.
  • You need to apply for a pet passport and have your pet treated for ticks and tapeworm. The required treatments may be increased at any time. It is best to check with your vet at least six months before you intend to travel with your pet and schedule the treatments just before you intend to travel.
  • The ferry you intend to use must be approved to take pets
Full information on the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) can be found on the DEFRA website