We have just brought back our 2 dogs from Spain to UK. We had to get them jabs for the rabies then 6 calender months after the blood test was taken they could travel. I was more worried something would go wrong with them than anything else, it was costing about 800 pounds to fly them over. It all seems more complicated than it is. We had to have the tick and tapeworm done 24-48 hours before check in, some say (vet included) that it's before the flight time. Which was a bit confusing .
Everything went without a hitch, apart from trying to persuade our Bullmastiff to get into the crate! We kept the baggage handlers amused for 1/2 an hour anyway.
They're both settled in thier new home...and don't even seem to mind the change in the weather!

So Dawn, did you only have to have one rabies vaccination done then the test 6 months later and the tick and tapeworm thingy?
As we're only planning on going back to the Uk in a few years, I'd only like to have to give my dog the one rabies jab nearer then and then aim to leave 6 months after that providing his results are cleared of course.

*pearly*

If you are looking years down the line, just get your dogs chipped now, and then any subsequent rabies shots will be recorded against the chip number (as long as you remind your vet to do so). Then, whenever you decide to go home, get the rabies titer test blood draw done about 7-8 months from when you want to leave ... then follow the remaining procedures as you get closer to the wire ...

They only had the one jab, they then have the blood test and as long as the antibodies are high enough they pass, then it's 6 months after the test is taken they can travel.They tend to say it's better if they have the boosters every year, then they're up to date, but they'd still have to have the blood test if they were coming to the UK

Cheers guys,

Both helpful in your replies. I had my dog chiped before we came out here so he's all set to go. I'll get his rabies jab done the year prior to us going back and then have the titre test done 6 months from then as per the protocol. We can always change our flights if his results aren't right.
Thanks again. I know it's probobly completely straight forwards but I've always had trouble getting to grips with this side of getting the dog BACK to the Uk for some reason! DOH!

*pearly*

Thanks for the replies. I have the vet from Jetpets visiting us tonight to give 2 cats and a dog their boosters and rabies shots. It makes it all seem very decided but I'm just trying to get organised 'just in case' really.

Still terrified about the actual transportation. I have a quote from Petmovers which included the tick&tapeworm bit for $3500 all up where as Jetpets came in at $6500. Bloody big difference - especially when it's already costing an arm and a leg!

Trouble is, the jetpets people sound so lovely and have a great reputation.