Since the old quarantine laws were abolished in 2004 as improved rabies vaccines were developed, it has become far easier to move your pet to France or indeed anywhere in Europe.  Further, it will become even easier to travel abroad as new rules are introduced at the start of 2012.  At this point the UK will bring its rules into line with the rest of the European Union, bringing the UK’s Pet Travel Scheme into line with recent science. 

All pets will still need to be vaccinated against rabies and be micro chipped but pets from the EU will no longer need to wait for a blood test (which normally meant a wait of 28 days) and once the vaccination is done, the vet will issue their passport and they will be ready to travel.  The pet must then stay in France for a period of 6 months, after which time it can travel freely between EU countries although to go back to the UK, a tick and tapeworm treatment must be administered between 24 and 48 hours before travelling.  The vet will stamp and sign your pet’s passport and you will be able to book your ferry crossing once this is done.

The procedure therefore is to visit your vet as soon as you plan to move to France, have him check your pet over, give him the microchip and rabies vaccination.  Once this has been done the passport will be issued which should take no more than a few days and your pet is free to travel.  That really is it!  The laws may be relaxed even further in years to come, possibly doing away with the tick and tapeworm treatment before re-entry into the UK but this is a quick procedure and should cost no more than €30 per pet.  All vets in Europe are aware of the laws.

The low cost airlines do not take animals but the car ferries and Eurotunnel do, although your pet must stay in your car on the car deck at all times during the crossing.  If you are travelling by car, remember to take plenty of fresh water and all your pet’s bedding and toys with you to make the move easier for them.  Our furry friends are adaptable creatures but love their routine!