DEFRA link to companion passport

This scheme allows you to take your pet out of the country to various destinations including most European Countries. You can check this by calling PETS Helpline 0870 240 1710 (8:30am - 5:30pm) or emailing pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

To use the scheme you will be required to have your pet implanted with a microchip as well as vaccination against rabies followed by a blood test to confirm your pet's immunity has reached a sufficient level.

Your pet will then be issued with a passport. It is important to note that there is an initial delay from the date of the blood test to when a pet can return to the UK of 6 months less one day.

In most cases the passport is valid for 2 years but some countries require this to be updated yearly by giving a rabies booster vaccine. Be sure to organise this before the due date - if you do not it will invalidate the passport.

Various other worming and parasite control treatments wil be required before leaving and returning to the UK.