While hunting for info for an immigrating couple, I realised that not many people know about the new rules applying to those couples wanting their pets to join them at their new home.
It is upsetting for both owners and those involved with rescue and rehoming to have to find new homes for once loved family pets.
When I post pets on Facebook for rehoming and the info involves the word immigration I receive a barrage of comments pertaining to the immigration laws – and “do you know?”.
Yes, I do know…
The issue here is that we need to educate people on all areas of a pets life.
So please guys and girls don’t give the networkers or re homers a hard time.
Rather repost some info to educate another pet owner.
Here’s what I found:
I emailed at least 10 companies in SA that transport pets to overseas locations.
About 4 replied by the end of yesterday.
Two of the companies were very helpful and gave me the following info.
From 1st January 2012, the rules for bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into the UK will change.
Until then, the existing rules continue to apply for pets coming into the UK,
Approved non-EU countries – listed overleaf but please check
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/countries/noneu-countries/
for latest details
Pets in quarantine
Pet owners with pets entering quarantine from 3 July 2011 to 31 December 2011 may be able to have their pet released from quarantine from 1 January 2012 and before the current 6 month quarantine period has elapsed, if they have prepared their pets to meet EU rules.
See Defra website for further information.
Requirements for dogs & cats into United Kingdom
Requires a 3 to 4 month process here in South Africa.
1st step - RABIES VACCINATIONS & MICROCHIP
Pets need to be microchiped and vaccinated against rabies at your local vet. You then have to wait a minimum of 30 days but no more than a year to do step 2 – rabies antibody Titre test.
NORMAL CANINE AND FELINE VACCINATIONS
The veterinary authorities are mainly concerned that the rabies vaccination is current. However it is important for your pet’s health that these vaccinations are given annually and it is advisable that these vaccinations be updated when necessary. In addition, should your pet require boarding before they travel all reputable kennels would insist that you produce a valid vaccination certificate.
2nd step – RABIES ANTIBOBY TITRE TEST
A blood sample has to be taken by your local vet and sent to an EU-approved laboratory (Onderstepoort in Pretoria).
Once a positive rabies antibody titre test result is received (has to be equal to or more than 0.5IU/ml) the pet has to wait 3 months from the date that the blood was drawn before travelling.
3rd step - HEALTH CERTIFICATE
The pets have to be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a private veterinarian certifying compliance with the above requirements and countersigned by the State Vet.
All pets must also be dewormed at the time of the completion of the Health Certificate. These treatments should be clearly stated on the Health Certificate.
This page may be of futher help.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/06/30/new-rules-pet-passports/
Defra says you should ask yourself these questions if you would like to take your pet abroad.
PART A Entry to the UK from other EU Member States and
approved non-EU countries:
For your pet to enter the UK from these countries, you must answer ‘yes’ to the following questions:
• Is it microchipped?
• Is your pet currently vaccinated against rabies?
• Was it vaccinated after it was microchipped?
• Have you got an EU Pet Passport or Official Veterinary Health Certificate from your vet certifying the microchip and vaccination?
• Have 21 days passed since it was vaccinated?
• Are you travelling into the UK with your pet on an approved route?**
PART B Entry to the UK from non-approved countries:
For your pet to enter the UK from these countries, you must answer ‘yes’ to the following steps:
• Is it microchipped?
• Is your pet currently vaccinated against rabies?
• Was it vaccinated after being microchipped?
• Was a blood sample for a blood test taken at least 30 days after
it was vaccinated?
• Has it passed the blood test? (your vet will tell you)
• Have you got an EU Pet Passport* or Official Veterinary Health Certificate from our vet certifying the microchip, vaccination and blood test result?
• Have three months passed since the date the blood sample was taken?
• Are you travelling into the UK with your pet on an approved route?**
If you have a personal account of moving abroad with your pets, please email me on stuffdidoodles@gmail.com i would like to post YOUR story so that we have a personal account of the above steps.
have a super day.
Di
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