Veterinary Advice
Vaccination
We strongly believe in appropriate vaccination for our patients. We use the most up-to-date vaccines for cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets, and will individually tailor the course to best suit your pet. If you are getting a new pet, whether they are very young or old, ring and speak to our veterinary staff to get the best advice on vaccination.
Worming
Any dog or cat is at risk of picking up parasitic worms when they are outside. Your pet's lifestyle determines the risk of infestation. Also some of their worms are a health hazard to humans. We can advise you on the most suitable product for your pet. Our worming preparations are safe and easy to use and are available as tasty, chewy tablets, liquids and “spot-ons” for cats who won't take anything by mouth. Our advice is free so avoid the false economy of ineffective supermarket treatments and ask for our recommendation.
Pet Passport Scheme
The Pets Passport scheme allows dogs, cats and ferrets to travel between the UK and certain other countries without entering quarantine on return.
The first step is for you to find out whether the country you intend taking your pet to is part of the Pets Passport scheme. A list of qualifying countries can be found at www.direct.gov.uk.
To qualify for a passport your pet needs to have the following:
- A microchip implanted under the skin of the scruff of the neck
- A rabies vaccination
- A blood sample taken 21 days or more after the rabies vaccination to confirm that the vaccine has stimulated immunity
Once these requirements have been fulfilled a passport will be issued. It will be valid from 6 months after the date that the blood sample was taken and will then remain valid for 3 years from the date of the rabies vaccination. Therefore, when you are planning your first trip with your pet you must factor in the minimum period of time from microchipping and vaccination to being able to return to the UK of 6½ months.
In order to keep the passport valid a repeat rabies vaccination is required every 3 years on or before the due date. If this period is exceeded, even by 1 day, the whole qualifying procedure must be repeated.
The only other restriction on returning to the UK from abroad is that your pet must have been treated for ticks and worms by a veterinary surgeon between 24 and 48 hours prior to the animal's return.
If you intend emigrating with your pet then the same qualifying requirements apply but a blood sample is not required. Your pet is free to leave the UK from 3 weeks after the rabies vaccination.
Do remember that the passport scheme has been set up to protect the UK from the importation of diseases that are significant to human health and is not designed to protect your animal from diseases that they may pick up abroad. For advice as to how to protect your pet abroad please speak to one of our veterinary surgeons.