Following a recent concession from the French veterinary authorities, it is now possible for pet owners, whose cats or dogs are certified in accordance with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), to take their animal to France without having to obtain a separate export health certificate. Instead, they will have to produce a FRENCH version of the PETS1 re-entry certificate. This document, which is called "Export of a pet dog or cat to France in accordance with the Pet Travel Scheme" (PETS5), is now available for issue by Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs). From now on, a PETS5 certificate will be issued along with each PETS1 certificate. If you have a valid PETS5 certificate, you will not need extra export certification for journeys to France as you would have done before.
If you already have a valid official PETS1 certificate for re-entry of a UK- resident pet cat or dog and wish to travel to France, you will be able to obtain a PETS5 certificate when they become available from any LVI on production of your original PETS1 certificate. You will not have to apply to your local MAFF Animal Health Divisional Office for this new document.
Please note that the PETS5 certificate can be used as soon as it is issued. It will expire on the day that your pet's rabies booster vaccination is due. The PETS1 certificate is valid between the dates shown on the top of that certificate.
The PETS5 certificate is only valid when accompanied by a PETS1 certificate bearing the same certificate number.
Most small animal veterinary practices in Great Britain have a resident LVI. If not, your own vet should be able to tell you where the nearest one works or contact your local MAFF Animal Health Divisional Office for details.
If you have any questions about the issue of PETS5 certification, please contact Steve Morgan or Graeme Taylor, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Area 402, 1A Page Street, London, SW1P 4PQ (Tel: 020 7904 6358/6347).
If you wish to travel to France with your pet and it does not meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme, you will still need to obtain an official export health certificate. You should contact your local MAFF Animal Health Divisional Office for details of how to obtain one.
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