What you need to know about applying for an EU Pet Passport can be found on this page. We will look at what needs to be done to ensure that your EU Pet Passport application goes smoothly and, most importantly, is completed in plenty of time for your holiday. The following areas will be covered
- The EU Pet Passport application deadlines.
- The five steps to obtaining an EU Pet Passport.
For those who already have a pet passport the rules and regulations for travelling to the UK with your pet and travelling with your pet from the UK to other EU countries are required reading.
EU Pet Passport Application Deadlines - Timing is Everything
Timing is everything when applying for an EU Pet Passport. Failure to meet any of the deadlines set in the EU Pet Passport application process could prove to be extremely costly as your pet will be refused entry into the country you wish to travel to and in the case of the UK, which has very stringent rules, you could be forced to have your pet quarantined for up to 6 months. It is vital that you know what the timelines are and that you are able to meet them before you travel with your pet. The timelines break down into
- 6 Months before initial entry or re-entry into the UK - You need to ensure that your pet has had a blood test (after its rabies vaccination) at least 6 months before entering or re-entering the UK.
- 21 Days wait before entering an EU listed country - There is a 21 day wait from the date of your pet's first rabies vaccination before you can enter an EU listed country with it. This is for initial pet passport applications. Remember for the UK this is 6 months after the blood test!
- 24 to 48 hours before entry into the UK - You need to have your pet treated for parasites (tapeworm and ticks) by a registered vet not less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before you check in with an approved transport company.
You cannot afford to hang around and must begin your EU Pet Passport application process as soon as possible. Therefore for first time pet passport applications for entry or re-entry to the UK you must begin the process at least 7 months ahead of time.
Step 1 of the EU Pet Passport Application Process - Microchip your pet
The microchip is the most reliable and effective way of identifying your pet. The microchip reading is used to match your pet with its EU Pet Passport. You need to ensure the following
- To guarantee that it can be read by the widest range of readers the microchip should ideally conform to ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If your pet's microchip does not conform to these ISO standards you must have a suitable reader with you at the time of inspection.
- Top tip - make sure you know what your pet's microchip number is and always check that it has been correctly recorded on all documentation.
Step 2 of the EU Pet Passport Application Process - Vaccinate your pet
As the microchip number is needed to identify it on the vaccination record your pet must have the rabies vaccination AFTER it has been fitted with a microchip. This may mean having to vaccinate your pet again if it was initially vaccinated without a microchip. Make sure the vaccination record contains the following
- The microchip number (ensure it matches your records).
- The vaccination date and vaccine details.
- The date by which the booster vaccination must be given. This "valid until" date is crucial because if it is missed you will need to have your pet revaccinated, and in the case of the UK blood tested again and wait a further 6 months after the blood test before entry or re-entry into the UK.
Step 3 of the EU Pet Passport Application Process - Have your pet blood tested
This blood test is only required if your pet is entering or re-entering the UK, Malta or is from a country other than the UK or Republic of Ireland. The blood test must take place AFTER your pet has been vaccinated. The aim of the blood test is to make sure that the vaccine is working. Your vet will take a blood sample which will be analysed by an EU approved laboratory. What you are looking for is a "satisfactory" blood test. You must ensure that
- You have your pet's vaccination record with you when the blood sample is taken.
- Your vet signs and dates the vaccination record with the date the sample was taken. The vet must include on the vaccination record your pet's microchip number (ensure it matches your records).
- You are given a certified copy of the test result by your vet. You need to make sure that the test result has the correct microchip number and the date the sample was taken. The date the sample was taken is the date that starts the 6 month countdown for entry or re-entry to the UK.
You only need to carry out this blood test, and the subsequent 6 month wait, once as long as the test result is "satisfactory" and you keep your pet up to date with its rabies booster vaccinations. A failed blood test will mean that your pet will need to be retested again.
Step 4 of the EU Pet Passport Application Process- Apply for the EU Pet Passport
You can apply for an EU Pet Passport AFTER your pet has been fitted with a microchip, has had a rabies vaccination and has had a "satisfactory" blood test. Remember the blood test is specific to the UK and is not required for the majority of EU listed countries. You should note the following
- In the UK only Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVI) can issue EU Pet Passports. If your vet is not a LVI they should be able to direct you to the nearest LVI.
- In other EU countries vets are able to issue EU Pet Passports.
- When applying for an EU Pet Passport you must make sure you have your pet's vaccination record, blood test result (if required) and evidence showing the date your pet's microchip was fitted (remember only vaccinations AFTER the microchip has been fitted are accepted).
- For entry or re-entry to the UK the EU Pet Passport must also have a record of recent treatment for parasites (see Step 5).
- Make sure that the EU Pet Passport, and associated documents, has the correct microchip number.
Step 5 of the EU Pet Passport Application Process - Treat your pet against parasites (ticks and tapeworms)
Your pet must be treated for parasites (ticks and tapeworms) no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before checking in with the approved transport company. Note that this is a UK specific requirement for pets entering or re-entering the UK. This treatment must be carried out by a vet who must fill in sections VI and VII of the EU Pet Passport. You should note the following
- The treatment must be carried out by a vet. You cannot do it yourself.
- The treatment must be no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before checking in to enter the UK.
- The product for treating tapeworm must contain Praziquantel
- The product for treating ticks must be licensed for use against ticks.
- Make sure that the vet takes a reading of your pet's microchip before starting the treatment.
- Make sure the vet completes section VI and VII of the EU Pet Passport with the date and time (24 hour clock) of the treatment, product name and manufacturer details and that the EU Pet Passport is stamped and signed.
- If you are travelling abroad from the UK with your pet on a day trip you will have to have it treated in the UK no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before you check in for your return journey to the UK.
- The treatment must be carried out every time your pet enters or re-enters the UK.
Useful information about travelling to and from the UK with your pet
Once you have successfully negotiated the EU Pet Passport application process and you are the proud owner of a jet setting pooch with its own passport, this is a good time to introduce you to the rules and regulations for travelling to the UK with your pet and travelling with your pet from the UK to other EU countries which are available on the madreddog site.
