Travelling with your pet if there is a no deal Brexit

pet passport

Whilst the effect of Brexit on the rules for travelling with pets is still to be decided, owners planning to travel after the 31st October 2019 should be aware of the potential changes to requirements. Details of the possible scenarios, as set out by the government, can now be found on our client advice page Pet travel. The scenario that would have most impact on travel requirements is if the UK leave the EU with no deal, whereby owners will need to contact their vet at least 4 month before their planned travel date to allow time for microchipping, rabies vaccination, a blood test and for a 3 month statutory wait before the dog or cat is allowed to travel. Please ask to speak to one of our official veterinarians if you would like to discuss how these changes may affect you and your pet.

Risk of exotic diseases in travelling and imported pets.

mosquito

Current requirements for pets to travel to the UK under PETS requires protection against rabies and a tapeworm (echinococcus multilocularis), however these are not the only diseases of concern our travelling pets can be exposed to. Last month we diagnosed heartworm in a dog imported from the Caribbean, however this could have been found in a pet travelling from Southern Europe. Heartworm larvae are transmitted by mosquitos, after migration to the heart adult worms mature. Heavy heartworm burdens can be life threatening by causing heart failure. Protecting your dog from heartworm involves monthly worming and additional use of mosquito repellent is also recommended. Exposure to mosquitos can also be minimised by avoiding taking your dog out during peak feeding time e.g. dawn, dusk and at night. Please ask one of our vets advice about protecting your pet against heartworm and other exotic diseases before you travel.

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