Just to make it clear, this chapter refers to exports of dogs and cats from the UK when owners are relocating. There are separate rules that would govern commercially traded animals and Parkside has no involvements with such matters except where a private breeder has sold an individual pet to an owner abroad

For those pets that you plan on taking with you for short breaks and holidays (to qualifying countries), please see the Pet Passport section.

There can be a minefield of paperwork and regulations involved in this process and the ultimate responsibility rests with the owner to ensure that they have checked those requirements and fulfilled them. We are happy to help interpret and advise regarding those regulations and arrange any tests that may be necessary.

It is impossible for any Veterinary Practice to have up-to-date knowledge of all the requirements for all countries. Owners must contact the embassies or consulates of the destination country and any countries of transit to check for current requirements and preferably obtain copies of those regulations on paper.

They should also contact their local Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO) where there may be additional information and through which they can request an Export Health Certificate request form and (usually) specimen copies of the paperwork expected and regulations. However regulations may change so owners should check with country embassies too.

Pets travelling by air will also have to fulfil International Air Transport Authority (IATA) regulations regarding cages or crates etc.

We strongly suggest a preliminary health check and some discussion about your intentions even before you start the export process so that any health issues can be addressed well before time.

important NOTES

*Relocation to much of the EU and some other countries may be as straightforward as issuing a Pet Passport often without the requirement for a rabies blood test if there is no intention to return. See under Pet Passports on the left menu.

*Most Certification requires pet identification. This may be as simple as a description but microchipping may be required and should be considered anyway as the current most secure and accepted way of identifying pets. DNA 'fingerprinting' may apply in the future.

*Many countries will require Rabies vaccination and generally the usual dog or cat vaccines being up to date. Exceptions here might apply to countries that are leptospirosis free where it may be better to not boost that vaccine too soon to export. Regulations vary but most countries we export to do expect minimum 30 days from rabies vaccination and may require an additional UK rabies free status certificate from DEFRA (department of environment and rural affairs).

*There is usually a requirement for a health certificate being issued within a period before the date of arrival at the destination. People travelling by road may have problems if that period is short.

*Travel by complicated routes will require fulfilling the requirements for each country you transit.

*Airlines may require additional health certificates to confirm the pet is able to fly - so check with your airline too.

*Some countries will also have their own regulations regarding blood tests for various diseases. Australian regulations (for example) are particularly comprehensive with test timings before departure a strict issue.

*Certification may have to be completed and signed off in stages. Additionally some certification may have to be countersigned either by DEFRA or embassies of transit or destination or all parties.

*It is commonly required that the owner provides a statement that the pet has been a permanent resident in the UK or for a qualifying period. Rarely this certification may have to be sworn before a Notary.

*It is common for the paperwork and examinations to be completed by a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI) and not all veterinary surgeons in a Practice may be qualified to do that. Please make sure you request to see an LVI in the Practice if you make such an appointment.

*Changes to departure and flights will add to the difficulties of certification. Owners should also be aware that arranging departures near holiday periods may conflict with laboratory opening times if tests are required close to departure. The Christmas period can be challenging as can owner expectations over long bank holiday weekends if final paperwork has to be signed off or countersigned within a day or two of departure.

*Make sure you have all relevant documentation with you and at least one spare set of copies. This is even more important if you are not accompanying the pet on the same flight or route.

*There is always a possibility of your pet failing one or more of the examinations or tests required or becoming ill. Give some consideration to contingency planning.

Please note that Cheque payments immediately prior to emigration are not acceptable. Card payments or cash please - owners have a habit of cancelling bank accounts before they leave...

I usually advise that when you have accumulated all the relevant specimen forms and regulations that owners or agents make an appointment to review and discuss the procedures required. Careful planning will avoid pitfalls and problems.

EXPORTS

important NOTES

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