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Welcome to Grove Lodge Veterinary Group Ltd
Pet Passports
Prodecure
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Microchip
The microchip is a permanent method of identification. A small chip with a unique code is inserted under the skin. This must be done
before the rabies vaccination and blood test. -
Rabies Vaccination
We advise an initial course of 2 inoculations with a month's interval between them in order to ensure an adequate antibody titre (sufficient protection). -
Rabies Antibody Titre Blood Test
This is carried out 30 days after the 2nd vaccination and serves to ensure that your pet has enough protection against rabies. Please bring your pet's certificate of vaccination and ensure that you know his/her date of birth. The blood is sent to an external laboratory for testing and it may take up to 4 weeks for the results to return. -
Issue of the Pet Passport
This may be issued at any time after the above requirements have been met (and will expire on the date that the rabies booster is due.) -
Other paper-work
Many of the countries participating in the pet travel scheme require a veterinary health certificate in addition to the pet passport. The health certificate is proof that the animal has been examined by a veterinary surgeon a certain amount of time before the departure date and is in a fit state to travel. Contact DEFRA (the Department of Farming and Rural Affairs) to confirm exactly what a specific country requires. Any additional paperwork will be forwarded directly to the practice. An import permit may also be required.
Important note
Although the pet may now leave the UK to visit qualifying countries, he/she may not return to the UK unless 6 months have passed from the date that the blood sample was taken. Therefore it is necessary to begin the procedure at least 8 months before the proposed date of travel and ensure that rabies boosters are kept up to date in the future.
Questions & answers
- Can my pet have other vaccinations at the same time as a rabies inoculation?
- Yes, it is important to keep routine vaccinations up to date. Don't forget your flea, tick & worm control either!
- What happens if the rabies antibody titre is insufficient?
- Your pet will need to be revaccinated and blood tested as per the 1st 2 steps of the procedure.
- Can animals other than cats and dogs partake of the pets scheme?
- No. You will need to contact DEFRA for import or export information pertaining to other species.
- What arrangements do I need to make before returning to the UK?
- A declaration of residency (pets 3) form must be completed which states that the pet has not been out of any of the qualifying countries in the 6 months before embarkation. This may be obtained in advance from DEFRA on (01737) 242242 or from us/your local veterinary surgeon. Pets 3 may also be obtained from the pets carriers at "check-in" or from the British Embassies in qualifying countries. This form is to be completed on the day of return to the UK. 24-48 hours before checking in to the UK the animal must have been treated against ticks and tapeworm and issued with an official certificate.
- What if I am only going on a day trip, will I have to wait 24 hours before coming home?
- No. If a short trip abroad is planned, the tick and tapeworm treatment may be administered before leaving, and the pets 2 certificate (issue of parasite treatment) completed. This is only acceptable if it is possible to administer the treatment between 24 & 48 hours before embarkation for the return to the UK.
- Can pets travel under the pets scheme on a private boat or plane?
- No. Only approved routes and carriers may be used. Check with the pets helpline on 0870 241 1710 as routes may change and new ones be added. In addition, you should check your proposed travel arrangements with the transport company as they may have their own conditions of travel.