Travelling With Pets To Become Easier

Under the new rules for the pet travel scheme, the conditions to qualify will be less burdensome and will involve less expense for pet owners bringing animals here while ensuring the risk of rabies coming here remains extremely low. Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bert Houston said, “These changes are supported by scientific evidence and reflect the improved vaccines and treatments that are now more readily available. All pets will still need to be vaccinated against rabies. “Pets from the EU will no longer need a blood test and will only have to wait 21 days before they travel. Pets from countries such as India, Brazil, South Africa, will be allowed to come here if they meet certain strict criteria to ensure they are protected against rabies, including a blood test and a three-month waiting period which takes place in the country they are arriving from. The changes will ensure that the risk of rabies coming here remains extremely low. “The EU is still discussing the most appropriate form of tapeworm controls for dogs, to ensure that we and other countries which currently have controls for tapeworm continue to be protected from Echinococcus multilocularis. Tick treatment for any pet animals which are returning here will no longer be a compulsory requirement. “However, all pet owners travelling abroad with their animals should discuss with their vets the usual treatments, including those designed to control ticks as part of good animal health practice.” Further information can be found at: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/travel-and-transport/travelling-abroad/before-you-travel/taking-your-pets-abroad]]>