SIMPLIFYING PET TRAVEL TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (Cats and Dogs)

If you already have the re-entry form issued in the United Kingdom (U.K.) from a previous trip, all you require in order to return to the U.K. is the annualized rabies vaccine and a certificate attesting to treatment for ticks and tapeworms emitted by a local vet.

If your pet is travelling to the U.K. for the first time from Spain, the following procedure is obligatory:

1. Microchip: it is obligatory that your pet is identified with a microchip.

2. Rabies vaccination: your pet has to have a valid, annualized, rabies vaccine.

3. Antirabies antibody certificate: if step 2 has not been met, the pet should be vaccinated against rabies and a blood sample tested for an adequate level of rabies antibodies (greater than 0.5 I.U.) at least one month later in an authorized laboratory. (Your local vet will have this information). If step 2 has been met, the blood test can be performed immediately. This test will be valid for the life of your pet as long as you annualize the rabies vaccine. If the rabies vaccine is not given annually, the validity of the antibody test is lost.

4. Certificate of entry: if the blood test for rabies antibody is valid, you can apply for the certificate of entry from the Kingdom of Spain six months after the date of blood sampling. You apply for this certificate at the local offices of the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (OCAPA). Your local vet will provide you with the address of the OCAPA office nearest you. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you present yourself at these offices bearing the following documents:

- microchip identification certificate
- valid rabies vaccine certificate
- health certificate issued by your local vet
- antirabies antibody certificate

The certificate issued by OCAPA is valid until the following rabies vaccination due date.

5. Tick and Tapeworm Treatment Certificate: at this point you will have:

- Valid rabies vaccine certificate
- Microchip identification certificate
- Antirabies antibody certificate
- Ocapa Kingdom of Spain certificate

with which you can apply for a “Tick and Tapeworm Treatment Certificate” issued by your local vet within 24 to 48 hours before entering the U.K.

6. Expenditure: In our practice, the whole operation will cost you on average 160.00 to 170.00 euros + new European Passport: 30 euros.

ALL THESE REQUIREMENTS HAVE TO BE FULFILLED FOR THE NEW EUROPEAN INTERCOMMUNITY PET HEALTH PASSPORT.

BIRDS

For these animals to enter the U.K. you will only need a health certificate from your local vet stating that the animal has not been living in an area of avian influenza during the last 30 days and that it has not been submitted to restrictive measures for Newcastle disease. The animal has to be identified in some way (example: microchip). With the health certificate and the identification certificate, you will need to go to the OCAPA office nearest you to ask for the Ocapa Kingdom of Spain certificate.

Please call us or visit us if we can help you. Have papers will travel!!