Kitten To Cat

Getting a Pet Passport 

The Pet Passport allows the entry of your cat to all members of the European Union (except Sweden) without any additional health certification being required. To obtain a Pet Passport, your cat must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Kittens must be 3 months old before vaccination takes place.

Before issuing the Pet Passport cats have a blood sample taken at a specified time (normally 4 weeks) after the rabies vaccination. This is to ensure that their immune system has responded adequately. Occasionally a follow up vaccination and blood sample are necessary. Once the result of the test is known, the passport can be issued and is valid for return to the UK 6 months after the blood sampling date.

N.B. It is important to allow at least 7 months from the date of vaccination to the date of re-entry to the UK.

Countries outside the EU may have additional requirements which necessitate a health check and completion of a certificate by a DEFRA nominated official vet, a few days before travel. For these countries, application for the appropriate paperwork should be made to DEFRA at least a month before the travel date. Kitten to Cat can help you with the process, but the application to DEFRA needs to be made in your own name.

Before returning to the UK the cat must be treated with a specific worm treatment and a specific tick treatment. This needs to be done 24-48 hours before their return to the UK. This needs to be done by a registered veterinary surgeon abroad, who will then issue the appropriate certificate.

Provided rabies booster vaccinations are given at the correct time and the passport signed by an official veterinary surgeon, it will remain valid. If booster vaccinations are not given within the required period then repeat blood samples and the 6 month qualifying period will apply. Some countries may require more frequent vaccinations.

Does quarantine still exist?

Yes. If you do not have a valid Pet Passport then you will need to undergo a period of 6 months quarantine. It is essential that clients ensure that all documentation is valid and correct to ensure they have a valid Pet Passport to avoid quarantine.

Are there any other diseases you should worry about?

Yes. The requirements of the Pet Passport are designed to prevent certain diseases (especially rabies) being introduced to the UK, rather than preventing your cat from becoming ill itself. There are some serious life-threatening diseases that are common in Europe. Please speak to one of our vets well before travelling for advice on treatments that can help protect your pet while abroad.

Where can I get further information?

See the DEFRA Website or call us and we will guide you through the process.