Passports for Pets 1994 -2007
The voluntary organisation for quarantine reform in the UK - Achievements and Goals

Passports for Pets was formed in 1994 to press for change in the UK’s outdated system which imposed quarantine on all pet dogs and cats entering the country. Our argument was based on scientific evidence – the modern rabies vaccine had made reform possible, and in February 2000 the first correctly prepared pet dogs and cats entered the UK from Western Europe without having to spend 6 months in quarantine. We continued campaigning for the inclusion of the US and Canada and in 2002 they were admitted. Many more countries have now been accepted into the scheme. We continue to have regular contact with DEFRA and much interest the publication of their Review of Rabies Policy. We are also pressing for a reduction in the six month wait from the blood test to entry to the UK and for revision of the compulsory treatment for ticks and worms each time a pet enters the country. To date 370,000 pet dogs and cats have entered the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme with not one case of rabies detected, other than in bats. We shall continue to monitor the operation of the Pet Travel Scheme and to press for further improvements.

Mary Fretwell Chairman
February 2007

The UK control system has been integrated into a wider EU system which has greatly facilitated pet movement within Europe. The UK however still retains some additional barriers, created as recently as 2000, requiring the administration of extra pills, injections or spot-on treatments just before animals embark for the UK, to guard against diseases transmitted by ticks and by one particularly noxious worm.   The timing is highly inconvenient for pet owners and a considerable disincentive to travel. Within Europe only Sweden maintains a similar system (but on a more moderate and user-friendly basis.)   We are continuing to seek change to these regulations.

We are also pressing for better arrangements for those who travel with assistance dogs. The airlines have taken some steps to facilitate travel for such special needs but more is needed. There is still a problem over the use of search and rescue dogs: if they go outside the countries approved for pet travel even if totally protected by the correct administration of the approved rabies vaccine, they still have to undergo 6 months quarantine on their return to the UK, which largely nullifies their training. 

A separate question of direct concern to pet owners is the insistence of the government that incoming pets must travel in the hold as cargo.  This adds greatly to the airline charge and explains why on many routes return flights to the UK cost  four times as much as the outward flight. The official explanation is that this is necessary to guarantee full control of animals arriving at  UK airports.  Better alternatives are available if the authorities were willing to explore them. 

We are pressing also for owners of private planes to be able to bring their pets into the UK. They would land  at designated airports (with animal checking facilities) and they would of course follow all the rules laid down by the Ministry. The extra costs incurred would be paid for by the private plane owner.

But of deepest concern is the lack of any action by the government to implement statutory welfare standards in quarantine kennels.  The powers in the 1998 Bill  (the Paul Flynn Bill) have not been applied. Quarantine Kennels still operate solely on a voluntary welfare basis which is totally unsatisfactory.   Meanwhile pet dogs and cats entering quarantine FOR SIX MONTHS do not have the protection they deserve and are owed.

Following the success of our original campaign for quarantine reform Passports for Pets no longer asks for a membership fee and operates on a purely voluntary basis.   We do however still have considerable office expenses and welcome contributions from pet owners who have benefited from our earlier successes  and support what we are still aiming to achieve.

You can e-mail us at passports.forpets@virgin.net

or write to our London address:

PASSPORTS FOR PETS
Flat 11, 45 Queen's Gate
London SW7 SHR
Tel: (+44) (0)20 7589 6404
Fax: (+44) (0)20 7589 6403

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