Holidaying pets By Sophie Lowe, of West Bar Vets H
olidays are a great opportunity to spend
quality time with loved ones, pets included. And for some there is nothing more enjoyable than being able to share trips abroad with family pets.
Thanks to changes to the
‘Pet Travel Scheme’ (PETS) regulations in January 2012 it will soon be even easier and cheaper to take your pets abroad. Before rushing out to buy your dog a Sombrero or Factor 50 for your cat there are many things to consider first. Careful planning and preparation is needed to ensure your pet meets all the
requirements of the PETS scheme and your holiday goes as smoothly as possible.
Changes made in 2012 will only affect your pet returning to the UK. It is important to note that each country has its own rules regarding entry of pets. It is advisable to contact the embassy of the country you are visiting to find out what their specific requirements are. At the time of writing this article the proposed changes to the PETS scheme from 2012 mean a blood test is no longer necessary after vaccination against rabies, the six month wait before returning to the UK after rabies vaccination will decrease to 21 days, and treating your pet against ticks will no longer be obligatory. An approved microchip must still be implanted prior to your pet receiving their rabies vaccination and they must be issued with a Pet Passport before they travel. Adhering to the rules of the PETS scheme may seem like a lot of trouble but the scheme is in place to protect us and our pets from rabies, which can be passed from animals to humans. Luckily the UK has been free of this disease for many years, but it is still a problem in many countries. All animals susceptible to rabies entering the UK have to spend six months in quarantine, unless they arrive under, and meet all the conditions of PETS. Changes in the rules have come about largely because of the excellent rabies vaccinations being used on our pets. Just because we can take our pets abroad doesn’t necessarily mean
we should. Just as going on holiday is not everyone’s cup of tea, your pet may not take to long journeys, extreme temperatures and foreign environments. Just taking ourselves on holiday is never an easy affair, so you can imagine how much extra planning is involved when pets are added to the equation! Some things to consider... Does the place you are staying welcome pets? Is the climate suitable for your pet? Do you know where the local vet is at your holiday destination in case your pet gets ill? Do they speak English or do you speak their language? (Or failing that, are you well practiced in the art of elaborate gesture?) Do you know what diseases your pet may be at risk from on holiday? By taking your pet to a different country you are potentially exposing them to a whole host of diseases they are unlikely to come across in the UK, and as such they will be more susceptible. The most common diseases to be aware of are Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Echniococcosis, and Heartworm. Some of these are fatal and you should talk to your vet about the best way of preventing your pet contracting these diseases whilst abroad. Tick treatment will no longer be obligatory in 2012 but the jury
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is still out with regard to tapeworm treatment. Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to treat your pet for exotic parasites whilst abroad and on return, to reduce the risk of them becoming ill. Make sure your pet is up to date with their rabies vaccination, it is also important to keep up to date with their annual vaccination for other infectious diseases. Before travelling they should be in good health and fit to travel, and if your pet suffers from stress or travel sickness ask your vet about medications that may help. On the day give them a light meal a
few hours before they travel, and make sure they have chance to go to the toilet! Just because we have to endure cramped conditions when we travel doesn’t mean your pet should suffer the same fate. Your pets carrying container should be well ventilated, roomy enough for your pet to move around, safe, and have adequate food and water for the trip. It should be an approved carrier and you should be travelling on an approved route. On returning to the UK, your Pet Passport will be checked to ensure the requirements of the scheme have been met. Be warned, unless all of the criteria are fulfilled your pet may be taken into quarantine or returned to the country from which you just came! If your pet falls ill and has been abroad at any time in it’s life please remember to tell your vet as it can take time for some diseases to develop. If you would like more information or would like to get a passport
for your pet then contact your vet. For the most up to date information on the PETS scheme go to
www.defra.gov.uk/pets or call the PETS helpline 08702 411 710. So with all that in mind, seek advice from your vet before you travel, plan your trip well, and above all have a happy holiday!
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