Updated Quarantine Information: By Dan Fonza

After long hours of calling the USDA and airliners, I found some other useful information and am updating what I previously wrote. So, for bringing your pet into the UK, there are several things that you need to have done.

1. Administer the international microchip (check with the country you travelling to if they can read an ISO chip 11874 or 11875 (10-digit or 15-digit chip).
-Tattooing is also accepted but will no longer be recognized after 2011.
So I would refrain from getting a tattoo and have the microchip given.

2. Once the chip is implanted (and the chip MUST be administered before ANY vaccinations are given or bloodwork is done), administer the Rabies vaccination and any other vaccines. NOTE: Only Rabies is required for import requirements.

3. To travel to the UK, you must have a Rabies titer performed (FAVN Rabies Titer). This is sent to Kansas State University.

4. Once the results are sent back, enter the information on the PET passport or Vet Journal document.

5. If travelling in extreme temperatures, a certificate of acclimation is needed. Your veterinarian will fill this out when you bring the form in. Just google search 'pet acclimation form'.

6. As you approach the travel date, there are 2 things that you will need to have done prior to boarding. First, treat your pet for ticks and tapeworm 24-48 hours before the flight. Second, have your veterinarian fill out an international health certificate 10 days before you depart.

7. Now you should be all set to travel with your pet to the UK if these steps are taken.

*Important*
If you vaccinate your pet before you microchip it, regardless if vaccines are up to date, you will still have to re-administer the vaccinations after the microchip is given. This is because the animal technically did not exist in the UK before the microchip was given. So you MUST vaccinate either ON or AFTER the day of microchipping.

Now, for those of you that are concerned with storing your pet underneath the plane in the cargo bay, there is an alternative. A cruise liner (Cunard) offers Transatlantic cruises that allow for you to bring your pet on board. The ship that does this is the Queen Mary 2. It is a 5-6 day cruise and there are several times throughout the day that you are able to visit your pet. A kennel master takes care of your pet during the non-visitation hours and they are walked regularly.

*Important Note on Rabies Titer*
If you are concerned that your pet may have to go through with the quarantine process every time you want to travel to and from the UK, do not worry. As long as you keep your Rabies 3yr vaccination up to date, the titer is good for the remainder of your pet's life.

If you need more information on travel requirements, call the USDA or go to their website. You can also check the embassay of the country to which you are travelling to.