3 Feb, 2011 Moving pets from one country to another requires the need for following certain rules and regulations
by both the countries, from where the pet is moving and to the country in which the pet will be moved. We discuss below the rules that need to followed within the European Union to move pets:
Need for an European Pet Passport
The European pet passport (EU Pet Passport) gives permission for domestic animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) to cross borders in Europe freely. The passport is the identification document and also a health certificate. Each passport has an identification number and each pet has its own passport. This passport is valid for the lifetime of the pet. This passport is actually a kind of booklet where all obligatory information related to an individual animal is given, which is same for all European countries. This also includes:
- Microchip or tattoo identification number (Till July 2011 tattoos will be accepted).
- Proof of valid vaccine against the rabies virus.
Getting an EU Pet Passport
The passport needs to be issued by a professional and licensed vet, All the vaccinations should be done just prior to the movement. The vet has to approve of the following so that there is the final nod for moving.
- The animal needs to be identified by a microchip in the neck or tattoo in the ear.
- It is vaccinated against rabies.
- The animal should go for a blood test to confirm the vaccine is in the system.
Anywhere within the European Union whether in France, UK, Finland, Malta or Sweden or Monaco, whether a per animal can be bought or not also depends on from which country the animal is moving, whether the animal has been living in a location where there is the local presence of rabies and other infectious diseases. In such cases, quarantine may apply and entry may be refused. Moreover, no pet animal under three months of age is allowed to enter the EU.
With outbreaks of certain diseases in certain areas, the Pet travel laws can be affected. The French Customs Authority provides clear information on the rules and regulations for traveling with domestic mammals, amphibians, fish, birds, rodents and reptiles.
Tests and Treatments
Pets may travel without being quarantined, if the following tests and treatments are done:
- An anti-rabies booster vaccination.
- An antibody titration. This is a test to find out if the rabies vaccine has been effective or not. In such a case, a blood sample is taken 1 month days after the vaccination and sent to an approved lab to confirm it has been effective.
- Microchip identification.
- An anti-tapeworm and anti-tick treatment administered between 24 and 48 hours before departure.
