The Pet Travel Scheme ("PETS") is a system which allows animals to travel easily between member countries without undergoing quarantine. A pet passport is a document that officially records information related to a specific animal, as part of that procedure. The effect is to drastically speed up and simplify travel with and transport of animals between member countries, compared to previous procedures if the regulations are followed. History On 1 October 2001, the European Union introduced the PETS scheme, under which animals from any member country may freely travel to any other member country on approved carriers. Over time the EU scheme has recognised other countries, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States as listed countries, relaxing some of the entry requirements for pets travelling from these countries. Appearance The pet passport itself comes in multiple forms, sometimes a pink A4 sheet, sometimes a small blue booklet. It contains the microchip or the tattoo number of the animal, the certification that the animal has had a rabies vaccination, and needs to be signed by an officially approved veterinarian. A new style passport with laminated strips and additional security measures was introduced in the UK in December 2014. Old style passports remain valid. The passport is not to be confused with a much smaller folder routinely issued by vets, which records the complete vaccination history of the pet. Details of procedure Every country has different requirements, both for export and import of animals, although some features are common to all. Requirements Subcutaneous (below the skin) microchip implant that meets the International Society of Pharmacovigilance (SoP) specification. Certified rabies vaccination and results from a blood serology test to confirm the presence of rabies antibodies. For pet travel in Europe, the rabies vaccine should be administered by a veterinarian with a minimum of 21 days before travel. Some countries may differ and always check with your local veterinarian for the procedures to follow. Proof of treatment for ticks, fleas and tapeworms Veterinarian's letter or certificate confirming fitness to travel and/or no obvious signs of disease Government certification that the veterinarian's export documentation and certificates are in order for travel In some countries, the formal passport is needed. Others will accept documentation in any form so long as it provides clear evidence of the procedure being followed. Usually, the animal and its papers are checked thoroughly upon both departure and arrival.