Pet Passport Price Guide: How Much Does a Pet Passport Cost in the UK?

Everything You Need to Know About Pet Passports

If you’re thinking about traveling abroad with your furry friend, a pet passport is essential. As an avid traveler with pets, I’ve learned a lot about the pet passport process over the years. In this article, I’ll answer all the most common questions people have about pet passports.

What exactly is a pet passport?

A pet passport is an official EU document that allows you to take your cat, dog, or ferret across international borders within the European Union and certain other countries. It proves your pet is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and fit to travel. Getting a pet passport is necessary anytime you want to travel with your pet outside your home country.

How much does a pet passport cost?

The total cost of a pet passport can range from around £60-150, depending on location and veterinary fees. Here’s a typical breakdown of pet passport costs:

• Microchipping – £30-50
• Initial rabies vaccination – £30-50
• Blood test to show vaccination took – £30-50
• Vet certification fee – £20-30

You’ll also need to pay for booster rabies vaccinations every 3 years to keep the passport valid, at a cost of £30-50 each time. So factor ongoing maintenance costs into your budget as well. But in the long run, a pet passport allows you to travel abroad with your pet for much less than alternative arrangements like quarantine kennels.

What is the pet passport application process?

To apply for a pet passport, your pet must first be microchipped and receive an initial rabies vaccination from a vet. At least 30 days after the vaccination, your pet will need to have a blood test done to verify the vaccine took. Once the results come back positive for rabies antibodies, your vet can then certify your pet’s rabies status in the passport.

Make sure to allow plenty of time for this process, as the blood test results can sometimes take 4-6 weeks to come back. And don’t forget booster vaccinations every 3 years to keep the passport valid. Proper planning is key to getting your pet passport completed smoothly.

When should I start the pet passport process?

It’s a good idea to apply for a pet passport well in advance of any planned travel dates. As a rule of thumb, I recommend starting the process at least 2-3 months before your scheduled trip. This allows ample time for the initial vaccinations, blood test, vet certification, and receipt of the official passport document before you depart.

Get a head start whenever possible to avoid any delays or issues that may pop up. You don’t want your travel plans to be ruined because Fido didn’t pass his blood test in time! Proper planning is key to ensuring you and your pet are passport-ready to paw-sit European destinations stress-free.

What documents do I need for pet travel?

When crossing international borders with your pet, you’ll need to present the following essential documents:

1. Your pet’s official EU pet passport
2. Proof of your pet’s microchip number
3. Proof of valid rabies vaccination
4. Travel/kennel requirements for the destination country

I also recommend bringing your pet’s vaccination records, just in case. And don’t forget any medications they may need during the trip. Thorough preparation is the best way to ensure smooth sailing at customs.

How do I travel internationally with my pet?

Here are the basic steps for traveling abroad with a pet that has a valid passport:

1. Check destination country pet requirements well in advance
2. Book transport that allows pets, like pet-friendly hotels
3. Pack ID tag on collar and leash/carrier for airport
4. Bring food, medications, poop bags in carry-on only
5. Declare pet upon airline check-in and at customs
6. Present passport and have pet inspected if required

As long as your pet is properly secured, you have all documents, and follow customs protocols, international travel with pets is a breeze. Just don’t forget to pack extra treats – dealing with airports and borders works up quite an appetite!

What countries can I travel to with a UK pet passport?

Pet passports issued in the UK allow travel within the following regions:

• European Union countries
• Andorra
• Channel Islands (including Isle of Man)
• Gibraltar
• San Marino
• Switzerland

Additionally, some travel is possible to non-EU countries like Croatia, Montenegro and more – but these require an extra health certificate. Microchip and vaccination requirements also vary slightly between locations. Always double check regulations for your destination ahead of time.

Any other tips for pet passport travel?

Here are a few final tips that can help make pet passport travel less stressful:

1. Keep documents in a waterproof bag for safety
2. Consider pet relocation services for major moves
3. Sign up for pet travel insurance just in case
4. Get your pet used to their carrier before trips
5. Don’t overfeed or sedate pets before flights
6. Bring along favorite toys/blankets as comfort items

With the proper preparation and paperwork, a pet passport opens up the amazing opportunity to include your furry family member on European adventures. Safe travels to you and your pet! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Costs of Obtaining a Pet Passport

Service	Typical Cost
Vet examination	£50-£100
Rabies vaccination	£30-£50
Microchipping (if not already chipped)	£20
Blood test for rabies antibodies	£40
Pet passport	£60
Kenneling/boarding costs if travelling	£15-£30 per day
Transportation	Ferry/tunnel/Eurotunnel from £50 each way for a car & pet

FAQ

1. How much does a pet passport usually cost?

   Pet passports can differ a ton in price basically. It sort of depends on factors like where you live and which vet you use. But generally, the cost is somewhere between £60-120. The vet sets their own fees for things like examinations and paperwork.

2. What does the price of a pet passport cover?

   The cost will cover all the stuff required by law like a microchip identification, vaccinations to protect against rabies, and an official health certificate filled out by your vet. It will also pay for the actual passport document issued by the government that proves your pet’s ID and vaccinations are in order.

3. Do prices vary depending on the size or type of pet?

   Surprisingly, no – the cost of a passport does not change based on whether you have a tiny hamster or a huge Saint Bernard! The paperwork and checks are the same no matter what. Although some vets may charge extra for really big pets that are harder to handle.

4. Could passports potentially cost less in the future?

   There’s been talk for years that the government may potentially lower passport costs down the line. After all, they truly are rather pricey compared to other countries. However, red tape moves slowly. Unless they streamline the process somehow, costs are probably going to stay basically the same for now.

   

5. What if my pet already has vaccinations – can that save money?

   If your pet’s existing vaccines and identification like a microchip are still valid, that possibly could cut down on the total price a small bit. The vet won’t need to redo those things from scratch. However, passports still involve lengthy paperwork and exams no matter what. So the savings may only be minor if anything at all.

6. Is it worth paying extra for a multi-year passport?

   Some vets offer passports that last 3 years instead of just 1. Although that does mean a bigger initial cost, it may turn out to save money in the long run if you travel a lot with your pet. Otherwise, shelling out full price again annually is a real bummer. A 3-year is a decent investment if you’ll get good use of out of it, in my opinion.

All in all, pet passports are simply a necessary evil if you want to travel internationally with your furry friend. Despite the hefty cost, it’s surely much better than leaving them behind! Just be ready to pay up when it’s time for that vet visit. But maybe someday they will become more affordable. In the meantime, we just have to cough up the dough – there’s no other choice if you love your pet.