Don't forget your Pet's Passport

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding the public of arrangements for pets travelling into and leaving Northern Ireland.

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet animals to enter Northern Ireland without the need for quarantine, provided all the conditions of the scheme, including compliance with a vaccination programme, are met.

All pets coming directly into Northern Ireland must also be accompanied by an import licence which should be obtained prior to entry.

Pets travelling from Northern Ireland to European Union countries (excluding the Republic of Ireland) must be accompanied by a Pet Passport. An Export Health Certificate is required if travelling to any other destination.

For further information about the Pet Travel Scheme and licence applications, contact: Veterinary Service (Trade Section), Room 732, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB, Telephone: 028 9052 4622.

Notes to editors:

1. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) requires the following steps which must be completed in this order:

• Have your pet micro-chipped – DARD recommends that the microchip meets ISO standard 11784.
• Have your pet vaccinated against rabies – your pet must be at least three months old, and have been fitted with a microchip, before it is vaccinated.
• Have your pet blood tested – after the pet has been vaccinated. It must be tested (approximately one month after initial vaccination) to be sure the vaccine has given sufficient protection against rabies. Your pet may not re-enter the UK under PETS until six months have passed from the date that the satisfactory blood sample was taken. Pets that re-enter the UK before six months have passed must do so under import licence and spend the remainder of the six months in quarantine.
• Have your pet treated against ticks and tapeworms – this must be done between 24 and 48 hours before being checked in with the approved Transport Company for the return journey.

2. All pets entering the UK under PETS must do so using approved carriers and routes (the current list of which can be found on the DEFRA website).

3. Anyone requiring further information should contact DARD’s Veterinary Service Trade Section on 028 9052 4622. You may also wish to consult your Private Veterinary Practitioner.

4. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.