The Pets Travel Scheme (PETS for short) allows you to take your cat or dog to most countries in Western Europe and Scandinavia, and return to the United Kingdom without putting the animal into quarantine.

However, to qualify for exemption from quarantine, you must meet certain strict conditions relating to your pet's health status. Below is a guide of the new rules.

When you have selected your destination it is advisable to visit the government website: www.maff.gov.uk or call the PETS helpline: 0870 2411 710 ( UK 8.30-5pm Mon to Fri) to check the following points:

• Is the country you plan to visit accepted into the scheme?
• Are there any additional requirements for this country?
• Which routes of travel are authorised?

To qualify for the PETS scheme, cats and dogs must meet the following before they leave the UK:

• they must be implanted with microchip identification which meets the ISO specification.
• They must be vaccinated against rabies (and given booster vaccinations as required). They must be at least 3 months old, and already implanted with a microchip before the first vaccination.
• At least 30 days after the initial course of rabies injections is completed, they must be blood-tested to show that vaccination was successful, if they fail, they must be vaccinated and tested again.
• Once your pet has been successfully blood tested, it will be able to re-enter the UK no less than 6 months after the date the blood sample was taken.
• Following successful vaccination, they must have a health certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon holding LVI status, indicating that the above conditions have been met.
• Some countries may demand a separate certificate to prove that your pet meets their requirements. Visit the government website: www.maff.gov.uk or call the PETS helpline: 0870 2411 710 ( UK 8.30-5pm Mon to Fri) for the latest details.

To guard against the introduction into the UK of certain potentially dangerous parasites (Fox tapeworm and certain Ticks) you must also have your pet treated against them 24-48 hours before re-entering the UK. You must also have a certificate signed by an approved vet in the country where the treatment was administered to confirm that these treatments have been given.

Note: Only Praziquantel is approved to control the Fox tapeworm.

It's a good idea to make sure you can meet al the requirements of the Pets Travel Scheme well in advance of your planned travel date.

Remember: If you do not have all the required paperwork, your pet may well be refused entry into the UK, or obliged to spend 6 months in quarantine.

• If any additional certification is required, e.g. Export Health Certificate, make sure you have collected this from your vet.
• It is recommended that your vet scans your pet to check for the position of the microchip before you travel.
• It would be sensible to locate a vet at the port from which you will be returning to the UK, who is able to supply the necessary parasitic treatment.
• Remember to take with you all relevant documentation, which includes: Pets Certificate, Vaccination Certificate and Health Certificate.

For further information go to the Government Website: www.maff.gov.uk (possible broken link?) or ring the PETS Helpline: 0870 2411 710 ( UK 8.30-5pm Mon to Fri) for fact sheets and information. Or e-mail pets@ahvg.maff.gsi.gov.uk. Or fax: 020 7904 6834 (UK).