We just found out that we are getting relocated to the UK within 4 weeks, not a lot of notice!!!

We have two cats that are originally from the UK. They are micro-chipped, vaccinated, have a pet passport. Unfortunately we never got the blood test for rabies done after which you have to wait for six months before you can bring pets into the UK.

But I keep reading that those restrictions are meant to end by the end of June 2010 and all you will need is a valid rabies shot and no more blood test and waiting period. I can't find any reliable information, however. On the defra web site it says there has been a motion to extend the period with special regulations for the Uk till the end of 2011, but that this motion has not been agreed yet!?

Does anyone have any other information by any chance. We're looking into putting our cats into a kennel for 5 months which is not an ideal situation and I'd love to know if there is a chance that this period might be shortened by 3 months.

Thanks for your help!

this is news to me

do you have any links that explain in more detail please?

It's all on the defra web page. It explains that the proposal to extend it to 2011 was made but has not been agreed yet.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pet...ion/eu-reg.htm

hi no still the same they have to have there rabies injection six months before they are allowed into the country, you can bring them in before but they will have to go into a cattery at your cost which is about £400 per month for two cats but that includes everything vets food ect, that what we paid in 07

thanks for the info. since you've done it yourself - how do I bring them into the country if they don't meet the criteria? that's probably a very stupid question...
but can I transport them myself and just drop them off at the cattery??? I guess not!

Just my luck, I have just gone through the whole beauracratic process.

no sorry you cant do it, you have to go to someone who transposts cats and dogs we used someone in taranaki near auckland, they will do it all for you you just have to pay the bill

At what point does the owner pick up the animals? I am presuming at a facility at the destination airport or are they delivered to a specified kennels/cattery within the UK? Some airlines here in Canada require you to travel on the same flight as your animals.

yeah, that's what I figured. going to be one expensive move

from what I found on the internet you can choose the kennel/cattery as long as it is defra approved. apparently you can even visit your pet if you want. but I'm not sure if that is only for pets coming from within the EU.

who ever you get to transport them they will be delivered to the cattery you can vist them but they do have visiting hours, we only used to go up once a month as we live quite a way from cattery, even if you pick them off the plane customs will stop you before you can get though

how long were your cats in the cattery for? and how did they handle it? I'm still debating if I should try to find friends who would take care of them. but 5 months is a long time and I simply don't know anyone who has cat experience and not already a house full of cats

they were in for last four months, and they were looked after very well that was wilmslow kennels at heathrow, one had even lost weight he was a bit big
unless you can hold off for a few months before you come back

Sorry, I should have mentioned. My cat has exceeded the waiting period since the rabies test so is now free to enter the UK without going into quarantine. Under these circumstances, can I pick up the cat at the airport?

Yes, there are certain kennels/cateries that you have to use for quarantine purposes. As you say, an Internet search will find them. They look quite good.