Many cat owners are baffled by the lack of information on the internet when researching cat passports and cat travel information. This is especially true when it comes to arranging air travel with their fur bods. So I have taken it upon myself to source all information, from various web sites, such as Defra, into this one post.
You can bring your cat into the UK without quarantine as long as it meets the rules of the pet travel scheme. These rules also allow you to take your cat to other countries and territories and return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine.
I have divided the information into two sections.
1. Cats that reside in the UK and are travelling abroad
2. Cats that live abroad and entering the UK
Pets travelling on a reputable airline, such as British Airways, will generally run smoothly but cat guardians have to be aware of the risks. Knowing the risks, as well as understanding the rare things that can go wrong, should help cat owners to make the right choices, ask the right questions and generally be on the ball when it comes to the correct planning and best options.
In 2011 25th August Jack the cat was lost at JFK airport. He was found on 25th October when he fell through the ceiling tile in the Terminal 8 Customs and Border Patrol Office. On 6th November he received intensive treatment for wounds and the effects of malnutrition. On 11/6/11, Jack succumbed to the effects of two months of malnutrition
Jacks owner set up a not for profit organisation to help highlight the dangers and pitfalls for other cat owners who have to put their cats in cargo. Here is there CHECKLIST which is based on US airlines. WEBSITE
So … Lets get to cat passports and cat travel information
Section 1: Cats that reside in the UK and are travelling abroad
- In Great Britain, a pet passport is issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV).
- When you go to get the pet passport, take your cat with you, along with its identity and vaccination record and, if applicable, the blood test result *
- * Your pet will only need a blood test if you are taking it to an unlisted third country and bringing it back to the UK or other EU Member State later. In that case, the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after your pet was vaccinated
Section 2: Cats that live abroad and entering the UK
You are responsible for ensuring your cat meets all the rules for entering the UK under the pet travel scheme. Make sure you have had the procedures carried out in the correct order and that your pet’s documentation is correctly completed. If you do not, your cat may not be able to enter the country or may have to be licensed into quarantine on arrival. This will mean delay and will cost you money.
If you are entering the UK from the EU or a listed non-EU country your cat must:
- be identified with a microchip
- have received a rabies vaccination followed by a 21 day wait
- be accompanied by the relevant documentation
- enter with an approved transport company on an authorised route
If you are entering the UK from an unlisted non-EU country your pet must:
- be identified with a microchip
- have received a rabies vaccination
- complete a blood test followed by a three month wait
- be accompanied by the relevant documentation
- enter with an approved transport company on an authorised route
If you are re-entering the UK from an unlisted country with an EU pet passport:
Pets travelling to an unlisted non-EU country that have been identified, microchipped and blood sampled 30 days after vaccination demonstrating a positive titration result before leaving the UK (or another EU country) may re-enter the UK without having to meet the three month waiting period. The vaccination, blood sample and positive titration result must be recorded on the pet passport.
CAT PASSPORTS | TRAVEL INFORMATION
HEATH AND WELLBEING TIPS DURING TRAVEL
CATS IN AIRLINE CARGO INFORMATION
Thanks to Defra for the above information.