Eligible countries
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) means that when travelling from most European countries or some long-haul, rabies-free countries, some animals can be brought back into the UK without having to go through quarantine (note that some countries have certain exceptions, check the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for details).

The list of long-haul countries is currently:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Barbados
Bermuda
Cayman Islands
Falkland Islands
Fiji
Martinique
French Polynesia
Guadeloupe
Hawaii
Jamaica
Japan
La Réunion
Mauritius
Mayotte
Montserrat
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Singapore
St Helena
St Kitts and Nevis
Ascension Island
St Vincent
Vanuatu
Wallis and Futuna
Steps to take
Your pet dog (including seeing-eye and hearing dogs) or cat must fulfil certain criteria before she or he travels, which must be done in the following order:
 

• be fitted with a microchip
• be vaccinated against rabies
• be blood tested
• be issued with an official PETS certificate
• be treated for tapeworm and tick - and have an official certificate to prove it
• you must sign a declaration of residency

Then, when the actual journey is taking place, the animal must enter or re-enter the UK on a route approved by PETS. For the latest information on this, visit the DEFRA website. On arrival, transport staff will check all your certification. If any checks fail, your pet is likely to either go into quarantine, or be returned to the country from which it has just come.

Taking care of your pet
Help make your pet's journey as comfortable as possible by following these pointers:
 

• make sure your pet is as fit and healthy as possible to withstand the journey
• give them a light meal before they travel
• give your pet the opportunity to go to the toilet before it is put in its carrying container
• let your pet 'try out' the carrying container before the trip
• the carrying container should be well-ventilated, roomy enough for the animal to move around, safe (no trapped paws please!), and have adequate food and water for the trip, with easily-refillable containers for a long journey
• put a familiar-smelling cushion or rug in the container to help your pet settle