UK Pet Travel Restrictions Renewed by European Parliament

MEPs passed new regulations for pet travel in a 618 to 17 vote. The vote, taken by the European Parliament yesterday, was for the extension of an already existing UK pet travel restrictions which was to expire at the end of June.

The regulations are in concern of moving cats, ferrets, and dogs between borders, and are applied for the UK on top of EU-wide regulations.

Since 2003 Finland, Malta, Sweden, the UK, and Ireland have had these extra precautions in place to avoid the spread of tapeworm, ticks, and rabies to other countries. Since being passed into law in 2003, the requirements have called for all dogs, cats, and ferrets across EU member states to have an electronic microchip inserted for identification.

Other requirements for crossing borders with a beloved household pet include a valid passport indicating the existence of ant-rabies vaccinations in addition to the implanted microchip. Pet owners can opt to have a tattoo inked onto their animals instead of the microchip.

The vote, yesterday, will ensure that these regulations remain in place for the above countries to help cut down on the spreading of disease. Pet owners who are planning on travel across EU member states with their animals should take precaution to make sure all vaccinations, passports, and doctors notes are in order prior to embarking on a trip.