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UK introduces new pet-friendly travel rules

Published: 23 January 2012

There has never been a better time to take your pet along on your travels to Europe.

Since the UK adopted Europe's Pet Travel Scheme earlier this month, animal lovers will find it cheaper and easier to travel with their pets.

Animals will no longer need to be quarantined for six months for international travel, a practice that was first introduced in the 1800s.

Instead, it is merely required that they are free of rabies and wait 21 days after the vaccination before they travel.

Dogs and cats will also no longer be subjected to blood tests or tick treatment.

The Pet Travel Scheme could save UK pet owners up to £7 million in vet fees.

Animal welfare minister Lord Taylor said: "It is about time we made changes that allow pet owners to travel abroad more easily and cheaply whilst still maintaining our high level of protection against animal diseases."

However, these new rules only apply to pets from the EU and listed non-EU countries with robust veterinary systems.

Pets from unlisted, non-EU countries will be subject to more stringent rules.