The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows cats and dogs to travel within participating countries without the need for quarantine. The scheme is outlined here:

1. Microchip
   The microchip is a permanent method of identification. A tiny chip with a unique code is inserted under the skin at the scruff of the neck. Any time after implantation, the chip can be 'read' using a special scanner, and the animal identified. The chip must be implanted prior to the rabies vaccination and antibody test.
    
2. Rabies vaccination
   A course of 2 inoculations with a month's interval between them is recommended to ensure an adequate antibody titre (sufficient protection against the rabies virus). If time is of the essence, many pets do in fact have an acceptable antibody titre after just 1 inoculation. The cat or dog must be at least 12 weeks old before a rabies vaccination can be administered.
    
3. Rabies antibody titre blood test
   30 days after the 2nd vaccination, a blood test is carried out to ensure that the pet has sufficient protection against rabies. The client must bring along the vaccination certificate and it is important that the pet's date of birth is known. Blood is sent to an external laboratory for testing, and the results can usually be expected back within 7-14 days.
    
4. Issue of PETS 1 certificate (also known as the "pet passport" or "re-entry certificate")
   This may be issued at any time after the above 3 requirements have been met. It will expire on the date that the rabies booster is due. Animals travelling to France require an additional certificate (PETS 5) that the veterinary surgeon should complete for the client at the same time as PETS 1.
    
5. Other paperwork
   Many of the countries that participate in the Pets scheme require a veterinary health certificate in addition to PETS 1. The health certificate is proof that the animal has been examined by a veterinary surgeon a certain amount of time before the departure date, and is in a fit state to travel. Clients should contact DEFRA (the Department of Farming & Rural Affairs) to confirm the specific requirements of any country they intend to travel to. Additional paperwork will be forwarded directly to the practice (only LVIs are permitted to complete the forms). In some cases an import permit may also be required.
    
6. Renewing the Pets 1 certificate
   The PETS 1 certificate expires the day the rabies booster is due. Repeat blood tests are not required, providing that the booster is given on time. The due date of the booster will depend upon the type of vaccine used - with Rabisin for example, dog boosters are due 2 years after the 2nd vaccine and cat boosters are due 1 year after the 2nd vaccine. There are always confusing exceptions to the rule. For instance, animals travelling to Spain require a yearly rabies booster regardless of whether it is Rabisin. To avoid confusion, it may be wise to suggest that all cats and dogs on the scheme are vaccinated annually (they must not be late).

Important note: Although the pet may now leave the UK to visit qualifying countries, he/she may not return to the UK (without quarantine) unless 6 months have passed from the date that the blood sample was taken. Therefore clients must be well-organised and allow at least 8 months before the proposed date of travel. It is essential that rabies boosters are kept up to date.

Further information about the PETS scheme is available from the DEFRA website:http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/