Key requirements.

In order to qualify for exemption from quarantine, 'pets' will have to be:

a.	Implanted with a microchip before vaccination;
b.	Vaccinated against Rabies (and given booster vaccinations as recommended). In order to optimise the chances of passing the blood test, two injections, 2 - 4 weeks apart, are given for the primary course;
c.	Blood tested (30 days after the last injection). The blood test results must show that the vaccine has given the animal a satisfactory level of protection against Rabies;
d.	Accompanied by an official certificate, certifying that the above requirements have been met. The certificate must be issued by the UK Government or by the government of one of the qualifying countries;
e.	Treated, (24 - 48 hours) prior to embarking for the UK, against a certain tapeworm and ticks which can be carried by 'pets' (this is to minimise the introduction into the UK of potentially serious diseases affecting animals and humans). If you are leaving the UK on a day trip, you will have to get this done before you go; and
f.	Accompanied by a certificate proving that the above treatment has been completed.

The Pet Check

Before boarding, the transport company will check microchip and certificates; any failure will result in the quarantining of the 'pets' or return to country of origin.

Qualifying countries:

Andorra	Austria	Belgium	Denmark	Finland
France	Germany	Gibraltar	Greece	Iceland
Italy	Liechtenstein	Luxembourg	Monaco	Netherlands
Norway	Portugal	San Marino	Spain	Sweden
Switzerland	Vatican

The Six Month Rule

'Pets' will not be allowed to enter the UK without quarantine until 6 months after the date of successful blood samples were taken (an animal infected before vaccination would not be protected against Rabies). It can take up to 6 months for clinical signs of Rabies to show.

Further information can be obtained from :

Information leaflets available from veterinay surgeries;

Tel: 0870 241 1710 (PETS helpline) or

Your local Animal Health Office

Fax: 020 7904 6834

Email: [email protected];

Website: http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/default.htm

with thanks to Jean-Louis Guerden, MRCVS, for his assistance with this article

Info for Capps - hope this is of use!