If you’re heading abroad with your canine companion this year, one of the things on your holiday checklist should be your dog’s pet passport. Here’s what you need to know:
What is a pet passport?
A pet passport is an official document that includes a record of all the treatments your pet has had. It allows animals to travel abroad to certain countries via Eurotunnel and ferries under the Pet Travel Scheme. Without it, your dog won’t be allowed to leave or re-enter the UK.
What information does it contain?
Your dog’s pet passport includes:
- Details of ownership
- Their description, including their unique microchip ID
- Details of your dog’s vaccinations, blood tests and any treatments
How do I get a pet passport?
Pet passports are available from most vets. In order to apply, you’ll need to take your dog’s vaccination and other medical records with you. If your vet doesn’t issue pet passports, they’ll be able to give you the details of one that does. In order to leave and re-enter the UK, you’ll need to make sure your dog:
- Has been microchipped
- Is older than 15 weeks at the time of travelling
- Is vaccinated against rabies
- Has been treated for tapeworm
Note: Chat to your vet about the timelines needed for vaccinations and treatments.
Some countries that aren’t listed under the Pet Travel Scheme can be more complicated to travel to.
Before you go, check to see if your destination is listed so you can make any specific preparations that might be required.
hi Emily
can you tell me how much does a dog passport cost and how long do they last , and while I think about it is there a time limit to how long they can be out of the country .
many thanks.
hi Emily
can you tell me how much does a dog passport cost and how long do they last , and while I think about it is there a time limit to how long they can be out of the country .
many thanks.
My dog has a Pet Passport (or rather a 3rd world cert) as she was from South Africa, I have brought her to live in the UK with me now. The passports do not run out as long as you keep the Vaccinations and things up to date, otherwise you need to do it all over. Worth every penny though.
My dog has a Pet Passport (or rather a 3rd world cert) as she was from South Africa, I have brought her to live in the UK with me now. The passports do not run out as long as you keep the Vaccinations and things up to date, otherwise you need to do it all over. Worth every penny though.
Hi can I get a passport for taking my dog from Italy to the UK. My dog is a doberman Cross mother was a pitbull cross. ?
Hi Sally,
Your best bet is to have a chat to your vet and to the relevant embassy. They should be able to advise you on whether you’ll be able to bring your dog to the UK.
Millie
I bought a daschound off internet in this country but he came from Hungary, can I find out if he comes from a pedigree line by the passport ?
Hi Kim, we’d recommend asking your breeder or vet for advice on this. We hope your pup is settling in well 🐾