Taking Your Pet Abroad

Post Brexit (January 1^st 2021) pet animals (cats, dogs and ferrets) can no longer travel to the EU or Northern Ireland on a European Pet Passport that was previously issued in Great Britain. You can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

To Travel OUT OF the UK to an EU country or Northern Ireland

- Animals must be at least 12 WEEKS OLD before they can have a rabies vaccine

- Your pet must have a microchip inserted

- Then a rabies vaccination can be given

- Your pet must then wait THREE WEEKS after the primary vaccination before travel

- You will then need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your vet, no more than TEN DAYS before you travel. The certificate needs to be signed by an official vet (OV) and you will need to show proof of the date the animal was microchipped and vaccinated for rabies

- This certificate will be valid after the date of issue for 10 DAYS for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland and for 4 MONTHS for onward travel within the EU and for 4 MONTHS for re entry to Great Britain

- Your animal will need a new AHC for EACH trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain. If you are travelling to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta, dogs will also need a tapeworm treatment NO LESS than 24 hours and NO MORE than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive. These requirements also apply to assistance dogs

- Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional requirements before travel

Animals will need regular booster vaccinations in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines (currently 3 years for the UK rabies vaccines, but may be 1 or 2 years depending on the rabies vaccine given)

We encourage you to devise your own reminder system. While we will do our best to remind you well before the vaccine’s expiry date, the responsibility to keep up all inoculations up to date remains with you, the owner.

You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland unless you’re attending a show, competition or sporting event.#

To Travel INTO the UK from an EU or listed country

- Animals entering the UK must comply with the rules above. They can also enter on an EU issued passport, as previously provided that the rabies vaccinations are in date.

- Dogs must be treated for tapeworm (echinococcus) by a vet NO LESS than 24 hours and NO MORE than 120 hours (1-5 days) before returning to the UK

- Cats can enter the UK further treatment

To Travel INTO the UK from an UNLISTED country

- Animals Entering the UK must comply with the rules above but also need to pass a rabies serology blood test taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine. Your animal may now leave the UK but cannot re-enter until 3 calendar months after a positive results.

For information on travelling with your animal please see: https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain

Travelling to NON EU Countries from the UK

https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad

Non EU countries have their own entry requirements which may include an export health certificate.

Details can be found at www.gov.uk/export-health-certificates

You may need to complete an export application form. An EHC checks that your pet meets the health requirements of the country you’re travelling to. You must nominate an Official Veterinarian who will be sent the EHC. They will check the pet has met the correct requirements before you can travel. Again, check the rules and requirements for entry to a particular country as far in advance as possible as blood or other tests may be required

For further information you can also contact the APHA (Animal Plants Health Agency) on 03702 411710 (Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00, excluding Bank Holidays) or PetTravel@apha.gsi.gov.uk if you wish to travel with your pet.

Costs for taking your pet abroad

• Microchip
• Single rabies vaccine
• Issuing AHC
• Issuing EHC

While Abroad

Treat your pet preventatively with the medication against ticks and tapeworms which we can provide. Consider taking out travel insurance for your pet. Pet Plan Ltd offers additional cover for travel. Phone them on 03450 771934 for further details. Remember that, subject to the laws of the country you are in, you may be liable for any damage caused by your pet.

We encourage you to devise your own rabies vaccination reminder system. While we will do our best to remind you well before the vaccine’s expiry date, the responsibility to keep all inoculations up to date remains with you, the owner.

Any veterinarian may give a rabies booster inoculation but only an (APHA) Official Veterinarian may sign an AHC or EHC.

Flying With Your Pets

The key to flying with your pet is preparation. Make sure you know the requirements of the destination country. Each country has its own specific requirements, some of which can take weeks/months.

The Pet Travel Scheme is no longer in place for travel around the EU from the UK.

Advance Notice

Be sure to give the airline plenty of notice. In fact, it is probably best to enquire about the airline’s policy before you book tickets. Some airlines have age or breed restrictions i.e. short nosed breeds. A few airline inist on you using a pet travel agent. Some will not transport pets at certain times of the year or even certain times of the day. All airlines request a fit to fly certificate so make sure you enquire what the time frame is. This can be anything from 24-48 hrs or up to 7-10 days before flying.

Cabin or Hold?

If you have a very small dog or cat you may be able to take him or her in the cabin as long as the receptacle is approved by the airline and the size of a piece of carry-on luggage. This is only applicable if you are traveling out of the UK. All animals entering the UK cannot travel within the cabin.

Most dogs and cats however, will need to travel in a crate in the cargo-hold. Airlines require a crate that is big enough for your dog or cat to stand up and turn around in (British Standard boes), check with the airline about the required dimensions. Get your pet accustomed to their crate. Have the crate in their normal environment encourage them to eat and sleep inside their crate. We would recommend feeding your pet inside their crate 2 weeks prior to flying.

Before Boarding

Before you board it it important that your pet has had a good walk and been to the loo. Line their crate with shredded newspaper because it is possible that they will urinate while in transit even if they do not do this normally. Make sure no collars or leads are present. These can become trapped inside the crate. They cannot be sedated for safety reasons however, there are several products we can recommended which are safe to use whilst flying. Speak to a member of staff for further advice.

Food and Drink

There is some debate as to whether it is a good idea to put food and water in the crate. On one hand, it seems sensible because he might get thirsty or hungry, especially if there are delays. On the other hand, it may spill and make a mess in the crate.

It might increase the changes of them having to go to the loo and the combination of stress and food could also bring on an upset stomach.

We always recommend providing drinking water for your pets at all times.

If you are providing water, consider freezing it before you leave. This will make it less likely to spill while the crate is being loaded. Or purchase a roller ball bottle. Some training may be needed for your pet to use this correctly.

Most pets can go several hours without food and water, but if in doubt, ask the airline what their policies are as they will differ with each company.

If you have a connecting flight, find out if there is the option of taking your dog for a quick toilet break and to offer water.

Labelling

Make sure your crate is clearly marked on the outside. Put reflector tape on it to make it easier for identification and be sure to have your details and your pet’s name tagged to the crate. Believe it or not, it’s also a good idea to label which way is up!

Include care instructions with the crate in case of long delays. Some airlines may allow you to watch your pet being loaded; others may give you a note to let you known once he is on board.

Other Considerations

Majority of airline will ask that all travel documentation is kept with your pet. We would recommend that you take photocopies of all necessary documentation in case they become lost in transit.

Most people do not realise how important healthy teeth and gums are to their pet’s overall health.

Bacterial dental infection can prematurely affect other organs such as the kidneys and heart valves.  

Whilst dental problems are most common in middle aged and older pets, young animals can have them too, for example retained milk teeth or broken teeth. A lot of animals will continue to eat despite advanced periodontal disease, so checking your pet’s teeth is essential.

Some pets will require a professional scale and polish or other dental work which is performed painlessly under general anaesthesia.

An integral component of all our health checks is an oral examination. We can then recommend various options for caring for your pet’s teeth.

Early clinical decision making can be critical in evaluating your pets’ health.

The surgery is equipped with a range of up-to-date diagnostic equipment including digital radiology, ultrasound, microscopy and electrocardiogram. Blood and urine test facilities are also available onsite. We are able to investigate illnesses quickly, help assess general health before surgical procedures, and monitor clinical progress and response to treatment.

Results are generally available on the same day, often within hours.

This can help to determine the early stages of disease, often before significant symptoms are apparent.
Occasionally, we need to use specialised testing facilities and samples are couriered to an external laboratory.  Results from external facilities are generally available within 24 hours.

Our pets cannot tell us if they’re feeling unwell. They rely on you to notice symptoms and communicate those symptoms to us.

Many conditions can be prevented or dealt with more effectively through early diagnosis.

Your pet’s annual health check is generally combined with a booster vaccination. Many pet owners welcome the opportunity to discuss their pet’s overall health or behavioural matters with us.

All our health check appointments include a nose to tail examination.

And if treatment is needed, we’ll run through treatment options with you. 

Whatever your concerns, we’ll listen. Please feel free to call us. We’re always happy to give you advice.

When your pet is unwell, they need to receive treatment that helps them to recover as quickly as possible.

We know that it is important to you that you understand their condition and the treatment options available. We will explain your pet’s illness, what options are available and the associated costs.

Treatment may involve an injection, ointment, tablets or liquid. If your pet needs to be given any medication at home, we’ll make sure we choose the most effective and easiest type for you to administer. We’ll show you how to give the medication to your pet and provide helpful suggestions.

Your pet may need to be admitted to our surgery for treatment in hospital. You are most welcome to visit your pet whilst they are in hospital and most owners bring along their pet’s favourite toy or anything special to help them feel more at home during their stay with us.

Critical care patients requiring intensive care out of hours may need to be transferred to one of several nearby 24 hour facilities.

We know just how delightful it is when you begin that lifetime adventure with your new puppy or kitten.

And it is important to us that your first visit to our surgery is both welcoming and stress free for you and your pet.

Your new pet will be checked over from nose to tail.

We’ll ensure that they are properly vaccinated and recommend a parasite prevention programme that suits your pet and family environment (Fleas and Worming).

Whether or not you have previously owned a pet, we can run you through a refresher course on health and behaviour during your first consultation. By the end of your first visit, your puppy should be able to respond to “come” and “sit” and we’ll discuss and demonstrate many other useful behavioural tips.

Most pet owners welcome the opportunity to ask questions or talk with us generally about their pet. Our consultations for first puppy or kitten visits allow plenty of time for you to ask us questions and discuss any particular concerns.

We look forward to meeting you and your special new addition to your family.

Most pets require surgery at some point in their lives.

We perform a wide variety of general surgical procedures in our onsite operating theatre.

Prior to, and on admission for any procedure, your pet will be fully examined and blood tests may be recommended, especially if your pet is older.

Generally your pet will be admitted in the morning and they’ll be home with you the same evening.

Modern anaesthetics ensure that your pet wakes up more quickly and it is rarely necessary for a pet to stay in hospital overnight.  

Prior to your pet being discharged from hospital, we’ll discuss their progress with you and provide post-operative care instructions, ensuring that you know how to look after your pet at home. If we need to see your pet for suture removal or post-operative assessment, we will also book your next appointment.