Exporting Animals from Cyprus

The first thing you will have to do to take your pet back to the UK is obtain a Pet Passport. If you do not do this the pet will either have to remain boarding in Cyprus until it is cleared to fly or will have to go into six months' quarantine in the UK

NEW PET TRAVEL SCHEME

MICROCHIPS

Microchip identification has been a routine practice for many of our cats and dogs for some time now, enabling the rescue societies to return your pet if lost.

A small electronic chip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades.

It is given as an injection, and can be given during a routine examination.

We normally recommend it is implanted as a routine (whether intending to travel or not) at the time of second puppy vaccination, or for cats, at the time of neutering (the needle is a trifle large for a tiny kitten!)

Very occasionally the chip may fail, be rejected or migrate. Without this identification, the animal will not be permitted into the UK under the scheme.

For this reason, it is recommended the chip is implanted at the time of the first rabies vaccination (if not already done). If it reads correctly at the second vaccination, there is an excellent chance it will remain reliable

Wee use in the clinic AVID microchip implants and they are will be ok for the Pet Travel Scheme.

Technically, they must confirm to ISO Standard 11784, or to Annex A to 11785

If your pet already has a non-standard chip (very unlikely), this can still be used provided you bring your own reader with you each visit

VACCINATION

In theory, a single vaccine can be given at any age over twelve weeks old , but we recommend a second dose 2-3 weeks later.

This is because the vaccine manufacturers warn that a single dose, whilst providing protection, may not meet the Ministry's requirement of 0.5 iu antibody titre to pass the blood test.

Both injections can be given in any routine surgery or visit.

The pet must be in good health.

The pet must be identified by a microchip reading , either before, or at the time of the first rabies vaccination.

With our current brand of vaccine, boosters every 2 years is essential if you wish to use the scheme in future years. One day late, and you have to pass another blood test!

However, most European countries insist on annual boosters , and will not admit the animal without this.

BLOOD TESTING

This can be done at any time within a year of the last rabies vaccination , but ideally 1- 3 months after vaccination.

A single blood sample is needed.

The pet must have a valid microchip and rabies vaccination certificate.

A morning appointment should be made, unless by prior agreement.

Dogs and most cats can usually be done on the spot .

With some cats , in order minimize stress using of light sedative is indicated, in this case we need keep cat for couple hours at the clinic.

The number of approved laboratories is limited, but the results are usually back within about 4 weeks.

Once the blood test confirms adequate protection to rabies, no further tests in future years will be needed, if provided the annual boosters are kept up to date.

Some animals (about 0,5%) will fail the test, perhaps because they were immunologically incompetent at the time.

Samples taken 4-12 months after the vaccination are more likely to fail, hence the recommendation of 1-3 months.

You cannot proceed further until your pet passes a blood test, so in the event of a failure, you will then need to revaccinate and retest (this is a lot more expensive than an initial double vaccination!).

If your animal passes, you must wait 6 months from when the blood was taken before your pet can use the scheme.

Do not make any travel plans until your pet has passed the blood tests

PET PASSPORT

After complete all the steps above (microchipping, vaccination and blood testing) Pet Passport will be issued for scheme.

A further requirement of the scheme is that the pet will have to be treated against ticks and worms between 24 and 48 hours before returning to the UK . Some of these parasites are not yet in the UK , and like rabies, pose a serious threat to human health

PRICES

These prices include VAT. They are provisional, and liable to change according to the prices of the vaccine, laboratory tests, and degree of certification required

Additional costs:

• Any additional health certificate required by any country you travel to
• Parasitic treatment, in the European country of exit
• Annual booster and future Passport/Health Certificate
• Air or ferry fare for the pet
• Preventative medicines, according to time and place of travel

HOW DO I START?

The following is a check-list of what you must do:

• Microchip your pet if you have not already done so
• Vaccinate your pet twice, with a 3 week gap
• The microchip must be checked and working
• Blood test your pet 1-3 months after vaccination
• You will be informed as soon as the laboratory confirms the pet has passed the blood test and the Pet Passport will be issued.
• Only after this stage, plan your journey, checking which companies can transport you
• Let us know the countries you will be visiting.

If an Export Certificate is required, come to see a vet 24-48 hours before your Cyprus departure time.

You will need to contact the Clinic approximately two months before you are due to leave the Island . We would be willing to give you a quote immediately you acquire your pet, to help you save towards taking it back. However, this figure could change quite a bit by the time you leave.

For this we:

• make all the phone calls to book flights and vet appointments required prior to your pet's leaving;
• order travelling cages when required;
• check that all your pet's documents are in order;
• complete all documentation required to ship your pet;
• veterinary preflight flea and worm treatment;
• prepare traveling cage and documentation for flight;
• delivery your pet to the airport.

At time of visit we will give you an estimate and if this is acceptable to you, we will complete all the documentation required to take your pet to the UK .

Once the flight is booked we will be able to give you a final price and an invoice will be made out for you. This can be paid by cheque not less than 15 days before you leave the Island ; after this time payment must be in cash. Cash payments must be received at least 3 days before your pet leave the Island .

Boarding Facilities

We will be able to assist you with boarding your animal prior to its departure but we would advise you to book this early.  We have limited space.

Arrival in the UK

At the present time only Cyprus Airways are licensed to carry pets into the UK on the Pet Passport Scheme and they all have to enter via Heathrow or Manchester . Should you wish to have your pet transferred to another airport via an internal flight you will have to make these arrangements direct with the UK airline.

Once your pet arrives at Heathrow it will be transferred immediately to the Animal Reception Centre (ARC) and will be available for collection soon after landing. It is advisable to collect your pet within this 2 hours as if delay, you will be charged ?99. Should a friend or relative be collecting the pet for you, they will need a letter of authorization from you and some form of identification.

Importing Animals to Cyprus

Pets from European countries requite to have microchip and Rabies jab performed 1 month before arriving to Cyprus . In period 24-48 h before departure need vets certificate for parasite treatment. When animal arrived from Europe at the Cyprus airports presence of government vet is not requite.