The steps involved to get a pet passport are as follows:
- If your pet does not already have a microchip we will need to implant one for identification.
- A vaccination against rabies is administered to your pet.
- 3-4 weeks later a blood test is required to determine if there has been a sufficient response to the rabies vaccination. In a very small percentage of pets this may not be the case and a second rabies vaccination and blood test will be required.
- If the test result is sufficient we will apply for a pet passport on your behalf and enter the details of the rabies vaccination and blood test. If you do not intend bringing the pet back into Ireland the blood test for rabies is not required
- Your pet can now travel back into Ireland provided
- A minimum of 6 months has elapsed from the date of the successful rabies blood test.
- They have been treated by an approved vet against ticks and tapeworms within 24-48 hrs of your check-in for return travel.
- Your pet has not visited any countries not approved under the PETS scheme in the 6 months prior to travel to Ireland.
- Your pet is travelling with an authorised carrier on a PETS scheme authorised route.
It is vital to keep the rabies vaccination up to date as failure to re-vaccinate prior to the expiry date on the passport will result in a further rabies blood test being required for travel.
We strongly advise that clients travelling under the PETS scheme visit the Department of Agriculture website for full information on pet travel and to check for any changes to the scheme well in advance.
