Disclaimer: The information contained in this section does not replace the airlines, Government and State agencies, both domestic and international, policies and procedures and regulations as outlined in their manuals and/or web sites. No reader should act on the basis of any such information without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without taking appropriate professional advice.

Taking Your Pet to a Foreign Country
Published by the USDA/APHIS

In General:

• The following information is located on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) government web site - http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/exp-pets.html. This website provides general information on "Traveling with your Pet."
• Also see http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/iregs/animals for International Pet Regulations. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/ for Domestic State Regulations and http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm for the State of Hawaii Regulations.
• The USDA and APHIS do not regulate the pet carrier and/or container requirements for pets traveling in the passenger cabin. However, they do regulate import and export of pets to and from the US.
• Before taking a pet to another country, always contact that country's consulate or embassy for information concerning their requirements. A listing of consulates can be found at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/ (US Department of State website).
• Pet owners must secure an International Health Certificates completed and signed by an APHIS Accredited Veterinarian, who certifies animal health status, conducts tests and records test results for the individual animals being exported.
• The APHIS Area Office for your state can assist you with your questions relating to traveling with your pet, help you locate an Accredited Veterinarian, and inform you of the fee(s) for the USDA endorsement(s). You can locate a VS Area Office for your state at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/area_offices.htm.
• You should check with your current veterinarian to determine if he/she is an APHIS Accredited Veterinarian.
• The United States has minimal requirements for animals to be exported to other countries. Your Area Veterinarian-in-Charge can provide you with the current regulations, tests and inspections required.
• Every country has specific health requirements for entry of animals. Some countries may also have their own certificate format for export. Since export requirements frequently change, obtain the current export requirements from the Veterinary Service office in your area before each shipment or travel. Do not rely solely on information provided by brokers and exporters. The VS web site has limited export requirements for select countries for pets at Animal Export Regulations.

Traveling to the United Kingdom and The PETS Travel Scheme

• The PETS Scheme: Pets can now enter the United Kingdom without having to endure quarantine as long as they meet the requirements of the new Pet Travel Scheme, which went into effect in December 2002. An APHIS Accredited Veterinarian must issue the Pet Travel Scheme Entry or Re-entry Certificate for pet cats and dogs. These certificates can be obtained from the USDA office in his/her state. A flowchart of the owner's procedure, an outline of the procedure, Veterinarian Information, a sample Entry or Re-entry Certificate and the Certification of Treatment against Ticks and Tapeworms form may be obtained by selecting the appropriate link.
• Further information on The Pet Scheme is located at the Defra Website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm
• The process should be started at a minimum of 7 months before the expected travel date
• Consult both the USDA and DEFRA websites for information on procedures
  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/exp-pets.html
  http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.html
• Other Federal Websites:
  In addition to the USDA/APHIS website, you should visit the websites of the two other Federal agencies that have a role in the import/export of animals:
  US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  US Customs Service

Requirements of the PETS Scheme:

1. An Accredited Veterinarian must certify the identification, rabies inoculation and results of rabies testing. The PETS certificate bearing the VS logo, available to accredited veterinarians through the Federal Veterinary Services offices is the only certificate that can be used.
2. Microchip identification must come first. Only microchip-identified animals will qualify for entry. The accredited veterinarian must certify he/she verified the chip number. (UK port officials can read microchips conforming to ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If other chips are used, owners will be obliged to present the proper working reader to the port inspector on arrival into the UK.)
3. A licensed veterinarian using an approved-labeled vaccine must properly inoculate the microchip-identified animal against rabies.
4. After rabies inoculation (an interval of 30 days is suggested), the microchip-identified animal must have a blood sample to confirm that vaccination was successful. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, at Kansas State University, is the laboratory of choice for nonmilitary US and Canadian pet owners. The certifying veterinarian will confirm microchip identification at the time the blood sample is collected.
5. Once the laboratory verifies that the microchip identified-animal has a satisfactory level of antibodies against rabies of at least 0.5 International Units per milliliter, the accredited veterinarian may issue the PETS Certificate. The microchip identification will be verified at the time the certificate is issued. (The PETS Certificate will indicate period of validity starting 6 months after the date the rabies blood test was drawn and ending on the expiration date of the rabies vaccination. Certificates can then be reissued so long as the rabies vaccinations are updated before expiration, and the replacement certificate will again be valid as long as vaccination is current).
6. In addition to the PETS Certificate, between 24 and 48 hours prior to being checked in for departure, the pet must be presented to a licensed, practicing veterinarian who will read and verify the microchip number, treat the animals for ticks and tapeworm using approved products, and issue the Certificate of Tick and Tapeworm Treatment. Both the PETS Certificate and the Treatment Certificate must accompany the pet to the UK.
7. The PETS Travel Scheme allows entry to the UK for those animals originating and/or residing in approved European Union (EU) and Non-EU countries. Following is a listing of those approved countries. Note, these charts are updated on a regular basis and should be reviewed prior to making travel arrangements.

Flowchart of The Pet Travel Scheme and DEFRA Requirements:

DEFRA Animal Health and Welfare:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/procedures/support-info/countries.htm

European Union (EU) Countries Eligible for PETS

UK-resident dogs, cats and ferrets can travel to any of the EU countries shown below and return to the UK under The Pet Scheme. Pets that come from any of these countries can also enter the UK under PETS as long as they meet the rules. Pets must not have been outside any of the EU or non-EU listed countries in the 6 calendar months before traveling to the UK.

• Pets normally resident in the Channel Islands, isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland can reenter the UK under PETS from any qualifying country if they meet the rules.
• Pets that have first entered the British Isles under the Scheme can then travel between the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland without the need for extra documentation. However, you are advised to take your pets documents with you in the event you must present them.
• Owners of pets entering the Channel Islands or the Republic of Ireland from outside the British Isles should contact the appropriate authorities for advice on approved routes and any other requirements.
• For Jersey visit the Jersey Rural and Veterinary Affairs website or e-mail rva@gov.je.
• For the Republic of Ireland visit: www.agriculture.gov.ie or e-mail pets@agriculture.gov.ie or contact the DEFRA Helpline in the UK on +353 1 6072827

Disclaimer: This page has been updated by DEFRA in May 2005. Always check the DEFRA website to insure you have the latest information. http://defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/contacts.htm

(1) No preparation or documentation is necessary for the movement of pets directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland
(2) As of December 2004, dogs, cats and ferrets prepared for PETS in, or returning under PETS to the UK from, the Republic of Cyprus may enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine. However, PETS compliant animals traveling from north Cyprus (the area north of the Buffer Zone) must be licensed into quarantine for 6 months on arrival in the UK. This must be arranged before the animal travels. Contact the Helpline to check for any change in this situation
(3) Includes St. Barthelemy and St. Martin (French part of the island)

DEFRA Animal Health and Welfare:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/procedures/support-info/countries.htm

Non-European Union Countries and Territories Eligible for Pets

UK-resident dogs, cats and ferrets can, having traveled to any of the non-EU countries or territories shown below, can return to the UK under the Scheme. Pets that come from any of these countries can also enter the UK under PETS as long as they meet the rules. Pets can enter the UK via any other EU or non-EU listed country. Pets must not have been outside any of the EU or non-EU listed countries in the 6 calendar months before traveling to the UK.

The maximum number of all types of pet animals each person may bring into the EU from most non-EU listed countries is 5. This rule does not apply to animals brought from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland or the Vatican.

Disclaimer: This page has been updated by DEFRA in May 2005. Always check the DEFRA website to insure you have the latest information. http://defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/contacts.htm

(4) The Russian Federation consists of 89 subjects (regions). Please note that the following Republics are NOT part of the Russian Federation; Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
(5) Jamaican law as of December 2004 prevents their involvement in PETS. Contact the Helpline to check for any change in this situation

References for The Pet Travel Scheme:

Laboratories in North America recognized by DEFRA for blood testing under PETS:

*NOTE: This laboratory accepts blood samples taken from dogs and cats belonging ONLY to US government employees and military service members being assigned overseas on official orders.

USDA : APHIS : VS
International Animal Export Regulations

The following information is directly quoted from the USDA International Animal Export Regulations on their website and is contained in Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

• International health certificates for the export of animals from the United States are completed by an Accredited Veterinarian who certifies herd and animal health status, conducts tests, and records test results for the individual animals/pets being exported. Completed and signed international health certificates for the export of animals from the United States must be endorsed by a Veterinary Services area office in order to be valid. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/area_offices.htm
• The United States has minimal requirements for animals to be exported to other countries. Your Area Veterinarian-in-Charge can provide you with the current regulations, tests, and inspections required. Approved ports of embarkation and shipping requirements can be found in 9 CFR 91. Each country has specific health requirements for entry of animals. The importing country, not the United States, establishes these requirements. Other countries may also have their own certificate format for export. Since export requirements frequently change, obtain the current export requirements from the Veterinary Service office in your area before each shipment. Do not rely solely on information provided by brokers and exporters. Export certificates are official documents and they should be typewritten, accurate, and complete.
• If you have any questions or concerns regarding these regulations for exporting animals or animal products to a foreign country, you should contact the VS Area Office in the State from which the animals or products will be exported.

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) — Rail or Sea Only

Approved EU (European Union) routes and transport companies by sea or rail:

• The following routes and transport companies may be used to bring pets to the UK from European Union PETS countries and territories. Pets traveling on a sea crossing or by rail must accompany passengers in a vehicle unless otherwise shown. Certain routes only carry guide/hearing dogs.
• Routes may change and new ones may be added. See PETS website or call the Helpline for the latest information. Some routes are seasonal or irregular so check availability and all your other proposed travel arrangements with the Transport Company before booking your journey to the UK. Check the costs, requirements and procedures. Companies may have their own additional conditions of travel.

By rail:

* Pets travel with Eurostar: With the exception of Guide Dogs, no pets are permitted to travel with the owner/handler in the passenger train-car with their owners. All pets must travel as cargo.

Disclaimer: This page has been updated by DEFRA in May 2005. Always check the DEFRA website to insure you have the latest information. http://defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/contacts.htm

Pets travel with Eurotunnel: Eurotunnel Conditions of Carriage state:

7. Goods Excluded:
7.3 Save as set out in Annex A no livestock, animals or domestic pets will be accepted.

Annex A:
1. Condition relating to the travel of Pet Cats or Pet Dogs
1.1 This annex applies to the transport of animals on Shuttles.
1.2 Nothing in this annex alters or supersedes the Eurotunnel Conditions of Carriage except the exclusion of domestic pets in Section 7.3 is suspended for the duration of the Scheme.
1.3 This annex applies for the duration of the Scheme but Eurotunnel may suspend or cancel participation in the Scheme at any time.

2. Definitions
2.1 "The Scheme" means the Scheme defined in "Pet Travel Scheme" (Pilot Arrangement (England) Order."
2.2 "Animals" means domestic pet cat or pet dog.
2.3 "Owner" means the owner or handler of the animal and the person who have charge of the Animal while in the Fixed Link.

3. Requirements
3.1 The Owner must:
3.1.1 Pay such charges as Eurotunnel fixes for the transport of Animals;
3.1.2 Comply with all requirements of the Scheme failing which travel will be refused;
3.1.3 Notify Eurotunnel at the time of booking that an Animal will be carried.

4. The safety, welfare, comforts and behavior of any Animal is at all times the sole responsibility of its owner.

5. Animals must remain in the Owner's Vehicle (unless authorized to leave the vehicle by Eurotunnel) and must be kept under control by the Owner at all times.

6. Cats must be transported in a basket or suitable container capable of being securely closed.

7. Animals must be prevented from fouling any part of the Fixed Link (except areas designated for that purpose by Eurotunnel).

8. The Owner shall present the animal and documents referring to that Animal to the Eurotunnel staff at the "Pets Control Point" at the Eurotunnel Terminal in France.

9. Eurotunnel will not transport any animal that does not comply with all the requirements of the Scheme.

10. Eurotunnel may refuse to transport an animal if in its sole opinion the animal is unfit for travel or is considered to represent a danger or nuisance to other travelers or to Eurotunnel Staff.

11. If an animal is found not to comply with the requirements of the Scheme, or in the opinion of Eurotunnel is unfit to travel on a shuttle, the Owner shall immediately remove the animal from the Fixed Link and make arrangements with regard to importing the animal into the UK under quarantine regulations and will be responsible for any quarantine and other costs and any and all costs arising from any delay.

12. Tickets for Animals are non-refundable.

13. An Authorized Carrier Agent as defined in the "Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974" transporting animals into quarantine in the UK is obliged to declare at Check-In on the Eurotunnel Terminal in France that such animals are being transported and present the Boarding Document (ID 11) or import license to the Eurotunnel Staff.

PETS - Sea Transport Companies and Contacts:

Disclaimer: This page has been updated by DEFRA in May 2005. Always check the DEFRA website to insure you have the latest information. http://defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/contacts.htm

Tattoos and Microchips

It is strongly recommended for animals traveling internationally, especially to Europe, to have a microchip inserted.

The two companies, Avid and Destron, are leading the way in microchip implants.

The Avid Microchip:

Web site http://www.avidmicrochip.com/products.htm is widely used but it is important to request the "EuroChip" version if you are traveling to Europe. This is the only version that is widely read in Europe as well as in some other countries.

AVID also has a program called PetTrac, which is in place in the United States, England and Mexico and is rapidly being adopted in most of Europe (European Union). Please see the following websites for additional information on PetTrac. Website: www.avid.com/oets/ or www.avidmicrochip.com/products.htm

The identification number contained in the microchip or in the tattoo should refer to all veterinary and vaccination certificates, and be the same number as those on the certificates traveling with the pet. The microchip ISO Standards are 11784 and 11785, or the owner must provide their own compatible reader.

Some chips can contain the actual vaccination information as well as the reference number and it can contain ownership information as well. Check with your veterinarian.

The Microchip by Destron Fearing Corporation:

There are two types of microchips available, but not all Immigration Offices can read both of them. The microchip manufactured by Destron Fearing Corporation (www.homeagainid.com) conforms to Annex A 2.1 of the ISO 11785, which is the new standard issued by the member countries of the European Union. It can be read by all scanners manufactured by Digital Angel distributed around the world. Schering-Plough manufactures Home Again and for a list of veterinarians that do this procedure, visit their website: http://www.spah.com/usa/search/vets.cfm

The microchip by Destron Fearing is known by several names around the world:

Microchips contain all the information vital to returning the pet to their owner and the registration is kept in databases available 24 hours a day at the AKC and at AVID. The European version will contain the pets' medical records.

Remember, whether you are traveling by airplane or by car, especially those owners who travel extensively, the small amount of money and time it will take to have your pet microchip will ensure your pets' safety and your peace of mind.