Q1. Why isn't the Pet Travel Scheme being extended to the USA and Canada now?

A1. The Government has agreed in principle to extend the Scheme, but before it can make a final decision, further work needs to be done on the risk of importing rabies from these countries.

Q2. Wasn't this work done by Edinburgh University last year?

A2. Edinburgh University was commissioned to carry out an assessment of the risk of importing rabies from these countries and their report was submitted to DEFRA earlier this year. The results were encouraging. However, a peer review of the report (standard practice for scientific reports) showed that there was a need to clarify some details with the model used to assess the risk. We have commissioned further work to look at this.

Q3. Isn't this just an unnecessary further delay?

A3. The Government cannot proceed until we have full confidence that we are acting on a sound scientific basis. We also need to continue our discussions with the European Commission on how the USA and Canada will be treated under the Council Regulation on pet movement which is likely to come into effect late next year.

Q4. How long will the new work take?

A4. It should be completed by late September. We will make a further announcement after that. We will also place any news on the PETS website.

Q5. What was the result of the report by Liverpool University on other diseases?

A5. A5. This report was referred to the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP), an independent scientific advisory committee to the Government. They have stated the tick and tapeworm treatments already required under the existing Pet Travel Scheme are essential and must remain included in any extension of the Scheme to North America.

The extension of the Pet Travel Scheme to North America with the existing tick and tapeworm controls will not pose any significant increase in risks to public health from other diseases.

Q6. When will the results of the discussions with the Commission on the treatment of North America and other Third Countries be completed?

A6. The process for deciding the list of Third Countries to be included in the EU Regulation on the movement of pet animals has not yet begun. The list cannot be confirmed until the Regulation has been adopted later this year.

Q7. Can I start preparing my pet now to travel from the USA or Canada to the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)?

A7. Yes, but on the understanding that it will be entirely at your own risk. We can offer no guarantee that pets from the USA and Canada will be able to enter the UK under the Scheme until a final decision to extend the Scheme to these countries is made and UK PETS legislation is amended accordingly.

Q8. What do I need to do?

A8. Any requirements for pets from North America would be likely to be the same as for other pets travelling from a Long Haul (i.e. non-European) qualifying country under PETS. However, until the work on the risk assessment has been completed, there is the possibility that additional safeguard measures are required. The current rules include microchipping, vaccination, blood test and six months wait.

DEFRA produces a fact sheet which explains these procedures. To obtain a copy contact the PETS Helpline on +44 (0) 870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday 08.30-17.00 UK time) leaving a voicemail message with your contact details/e-mail address.

Q9. Can I microchip my pet in the USA or Canada?

A9. Yes, but if it is not an ISO (International Standards Organisation) Standard chip you should take a compatible microchip reader with you when you travel.

Q10. Can I vaccinate my animal against rabies in the USA or Canada?

A10. Yes. The pet must be at least three months old and be vaccinated, after the microchip has been inserted, with an approved inactivated adjuvanted vaccine.

Q11. Can I have my animal blood tested in the USA or Canada?

A11. There are two laboratories in the USA which are officially recognised to carry out blood testing under the UK Pet Travel Scheme although one deals only with pets of US military personnel and their dependants. Laboratory details are available from the PETS Helpline, website and fact sheet. If you don't use either of these laboratories, you must use one of the other recognised laboratories listed on the PETS website.

Q12. How do I get the necessary Pet Travel Scheme certificates?

A12. These will not be available until the USA and Canadian Governments produce them. They will not be able to do this until the UK Government confirms the eligibility of those countries to join the Scheme. If the USA and Canada join the Scheme and certificates are not immediately available, pets will have to be licensed into quarantine in the UK with a view to obtaining early release. If the USA and Canada become eligible for the Scheme, and pet owners have already had their pets microchipped, vaccinated and blood tested, they will able to get an official certificate from their vet when they are available.

Q13. Are there any approved routes and transport companies from the USA and Canada?

A13. No. This will not happen until such time as these countries are part of the Pet Travel Scheme. It is a commercial decision for each airline to decide whether or not to transport pets under the Scheme and before they do so, they must get approval from DEFRA. DEFRA will not grant any approvals until the USA and Canada become eligible for the Scheme. If the USA and Canada join the Scheme, and no approved routes are available, pets will have to be licensed into quarantine with a view to obtaining early release.

Q14. Can my pet travel to the UK via another country under PETS?

A14. Pets travelling under PETS must not leave the confines of their container (unless under official supervision, e.g. for welfare reasons) during their journey from the USA or Canada to England. This rule does not apply to animals undertaking 6 months quarantine in the UK.

Q15. How do I license a pet into quarantine in the UK?

A15. You will need to obtain an import licence from DEFRA before the pet travels to the UK. The fact sheet gives more details or ring the DEFRA Quarantine branch on +44 (0) 20 7904 6222.

Q16. I am travelling from North America to the UK shortly and have licensed my pet into quarantine. Will this announcement affect me?

A16. No. Your pet will still need to be imported into quarantine on arrival.