22 July 2016
Over the last two years the States Veterinary Service has seen a significant increase in the number of pets that don’t comply with the import requirements. The service is dealing with pet importation problems, on average, twice a week, as a result of people not following the regulations.
The rules are in place so that Jersey remains free from certain animal and human diseases, so some animals are put into quarantine until the animals can be cleared for import, or re-exported. The owners are responsible for all costs, such as transport, vet treatment and kennelling, which can be in the region of £800 for each animal.
The States Vet advises that if you are bringing a dog, cat or ferret into Jersey for rehoming or sale, even if no money changes hands or you are transporting it for somebody else, it’s classed as a commercial movement and you can’t use the Pet Travel Scheme.
Stephen Sagar said “Jersey is a very animal friendly Island and there’s a lot of demand for pets, but anyone thinking of buying or re-homing a dog or cat from mainland Europe must get it from a reputable source and find out about and follow the regulations. The rules are in place for good reason – to avoid bringing in a sick pet that may need a vet treatment or that is carrying a serious infectious disease that could affect other animals or people.”
The States Vet is also advising people about to travel abroad this summer with their own pets to check their pet passports, to make sure that the rabies vaccination dates are valid for the whole duration of their stay, before they travel.
Using the Pet Travel Scheme pet owners can travel with their own pets within the EU.
gov.je