You may or may not have heard of the puppy pet passport, but it’s an excellent idea for traveling in some countries with your pooch.
The PETS, or Pet Travel Scheme, is a system in place that allows your pets to travel between any member countries with ease without having to undergo any kind of quarantine. This system originated in the UK, and the puppy pet passport is a part of this system.
So What Is a Puppy Pet Passport?
They are the official records information document linked to a specific pet and is part of the pet travel procedures. The result is to speed up and simplify travelling with, and the transporting of, pets between member countries, for example the UK and the EU.
A pet passport refers to extra documents required when you travel to another country with your pet. This means you need a health certificate and the proper forms filled out.
It will include details like:
- Microchip details
- Vaccination proof
- Overall health certificate
- Ownership details
- Your pet description
Different Countries Have Different Pet Passport Requirements
Each country has different requirements for pets travelling in or around the country. But there are some basic requirements that are the same no matter where you go:
A Health Certificate
At the very least, you’ll need a health certificate. Which is also called a sanitary or veterinary certificate and is filled out by your veterinarian.
Usually, the health certificate for your pet needs to be issued within ten days prior to travel, and in some cases, it needs to be even closer to your departure date. There could also be potential breed restrictions due to an increased risk of respiratory distress.
Vaccination Proof
Some countries that have the classification as being rabies-free or rabies-controlled may want to quarantine your pet when you arrive, particularly if you are arriving or returning from a country that is considered to be a high-rabies country.
Some countries may waive the quarantine if you submit a blood titer test for evaluation of the level of antibodies and if you observe a four to six months wait period before entering the new country.
Microchip
This is to make your puppy easily identifiable. But note that in many countries it’s a legal requirement to have your puppy microchipped anyway!
Tapeworm Treatments
Usually this is required 24 hours before you travel and within the week you return home! It’s important to keep a regular tapeworm schedule for your puppy anyway!
How Much Does A Puppy Pet Passport Cost?
If you’re in the UK, a pet passport currently costs between £60 – £100 depending on your vet and requirements, but if you need extra vaccinations or boosters, this could up the price by another £50.
In the US, pet passport fees are a little different. The cost is around $40 for the forms to be filled by your vet, plus the cost of a usual health check visitation. You will also need to pay the usual fee for microchipping, boosters, tapeworm treatment and blood titer tests (these are around $150) if needed.
Note: This may seem like a lot of money, but the rough cost of quarantine without these documents can be around £2,000 or $2,500!
How Old Does My Puppy Have To Be To Get A Pet Passport?
Your puppy will need to be at least 12 weeks (3 months) and if they are still very young, you may need to provide proof they are over this age! Otherwise you run the risk of not being able to travel.
How Do You Apply For a Puppy Pet Passport?
These forms vary by country, so be sure to check and see what your travel destination country needs. Your veterinarian can help you make sure you have the right paperwork for whichever country you are
Here’s a list of different links for applying for your puppy pet passport according to country or region. It’s not exhaustive but it’s a good start!
- Getting Pet Passports in The EU & UK – https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/pet-passport
Applying for Pet Passports In Northern Ireland – https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets- Pet Travel in The US – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/taking-a-pet-overseas.html#ExternalPopup
For the full low-down on the EU Pet Travel Scheme check out their guide to filing your pet passport here.
When Should I Apply For My Puppy Pet Passport?
The answer is, as soon as possible because region requirements differ. If your dog needs a rabies vaccination, the
Remember that if you don’t have the correct documentation to travel, your puppy will end up in quarantine. This can take up to 6 months to clear!