What is PETS?  

• The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the scheme that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.  
• Pets coming from Japan may enter the UK under PETS. Pets must not have been outside any of the EU or non-EU countries on the list in the 6 calendar months before travelling to the UK. (please view the list at the DEFRA website.)  
• The maximum number of all types of pet animals (not only dogs and cats) each person may bring into the UK from Japan is 5. For details of transporting more than five animals, contact DEFRA's International Animal Health Division on +44(0) 8702411710, or email at quarantine@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk.  

Basic Procedures

These procedures will take at least 6 months to complete - possibly more depending upon the particular circumstances of the dog, cat or ferret.

Step 1. The Microchipping

Before anything else, the animal must have a microchip implanted.

Pets must first have a microchip implanted in them. This can be performed by any vet in Japan. We recommend that it meets ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If the microchip does not meet one of these Standards you must provide a reader that can read the microchip at the time of any inspection.

Ask the vet implanting the microchip to check that its number can be read before and after it has been implanted. Get your vet to read the microchip every time you visit.           

Step 2.  The Rabies vaccination

When to vaccinate:

1. Pets being prepared to enter or re-enter the UK must be vaccinated in accordance with the instructions in the vaccine manufacturer's data sheet.
2. Pets must be vaccinated after a microchip has been fitted. If your pet was vaccinated before the microchip was fitted, it will have to be vaccinated again. This is to make sure that it is correctly identified when vaccinated.
   

Vaccination record:
Your vet should accurately record the following details on your pet's vaccination record and official veterinary certificate.

• Its date of birth/age
• The microchip number, date of insertion and its location in the animal
• The date of vaccination
• The vaccine manufacturer, product name and batch number
• The date by which the booster vaccination must be given (i.e. the “Valid until” date). This date is calculated by reference to the validity period of the vaccine given in the vaccine manufacturer’s datasheet.  
  

Step 3. The blood test

Blood tests are required for dogs and cats. Ferrets are exempt.  
   
After being vaccinated, your dog or cat must have a blood test to make sure that the vaccine has worked. Ask your vet to read the microchip and to give you a signed record of the date the sample is taken that accurately shows your pet’s microchip number. Ask your vet for the best time for the blood test to be done and then send the blood sample to be analysed at an EU-approved laboratory. (see DEFRA website for a list of EU recognised blood testing laboratories)  
   
Include your pet's vaccination record when the blood sample is sent.  
   
After a satisfactory blood test, and a wait of 6 calendar months from the date that a vet took the blood sample which gave a satisfactory test result, you may transport your pet to the UK, as long as the vaccination remains valid, with booster vaccinations having been given before the expiry date, if necessary. If the expiry date of the successful vaccination is before the date the pet will travel to the UK, then booster vaccinations will be required. The pet must receive its booster vaccination before the expiry date.  
   
The pet requires only one blood test and 6 months wait provided all subsequent rabies booster vaccinations are given by the required date.

If the test fails, then go back to step 2. 

If the test passes, then wait at least 6 months from date blood was taken.

Step 4. Arrange for booster vaccinations

Only required if the validity of the vaccination expires before the date the pet will travel to the UK.

After your pet has been vaccinated and blood tested with a satisfactory result, it may need booster vaccinations. These must be given by the "Valid until" date in the animal's veterinary certificate, or on the PETS certificate, and be recorded on the vaccination record.   
   
If the booster date is missed, your pet will have to be vaccinated and blood tested again. A new 6 month-wait period will start from the date the new blood sample is taken, provided the result is satisfactory.

Step 5. Ensure that Veterinary Certificates are complete

After your pet has passed its blood test you must get an official veterinary certificate.   
Official Veterinary Certificate:

1. Any vet in Japan can issue this certificate. It is headed “Veterinary certificate for domestic dogs, cats and ferrets entering the European Community for non-commercial movements (Regulation(EC) No 998/2003)”. The certificate must be in English. It must be completed in block letters in English. You can download the form in pdf format from European Commission website.
2. When you go to get the certificate take your pet, its vaccination record and blood test result. These documents must show your pet’s microchip number. Also take evidence of the date your pet was microchipped.  
   

Step 6. Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route

Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route. (see DEFRA website for approved non EU routes and transport companies)    
   
When travelling by air, most pets will travel as cargo. Check the requirements and procedures with your transport company well before booking your flights.  
   
When bringing a pet into the UK from Japan you must complete Customs formalities. An agent, travel company or airline should be able to do this for you and may charge for this service. Alternatively, you might be able to make your own arrangements. This would involve contacting the Customs authorities at your arrival point in the UK to obtain details of the necessary procedures and the appropriate Customs form. You are advised to discuss these charges with your agent, etc, before you travel as they might be included as part of a package. These charges are not made by the UK Government. (see HM Revenue and Customs website for further information) 

Step 7. Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm

Any vet in Japan can give the treatment. You must not do it yourself. Make sure the vet reads your pet's microchip before treatment.  
   
Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before you check-in with an approved transport company for the journey that brings your dog, cat or ferretinto the UK.  
   
The treatment must be given every time your pet travels to the UK.  
   
The product used for the tick treatment must be licensed for use against ticks and have a marketing authorisation in Japan. Tick collars are not acceptable. The product used for the tapeworm treatment must contain praziquantel. The treatments are to stop the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis and certain ticks entering the UK.  
   
After the treatment, the vet must fill in sections VI and VII of an official veterinary certificate. In the certificate, the date and time of treatment (using the 24-hour clock), the name of the product used and its manufacturer must be shown. The vet must stamp and sign the certificate. Make sure all these details are correctly recorded before you leave the vet’s office.

Step 8. On arrival  

Pets travelling to the UK by air will have their microchip and official documentation checked on arrival by staff at the Animal Reception Centre.

If your pet fails the check, it will either have to go into quarantine or be re-exported: it will not be allowed to travel until the problem has been resolved. If a pet arriving by air has failed only because it has not met the rules on tick and tapeworm treatment, it must be treated on arrival and then held for 24 hours after treatment. If the animal arrives at Heathrow, this can be done there. In all other causes it must be done at local quarantine premises.