3 minute read
Acorn House
Travelling abroad
with your pet in 2021
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Although the rules and restrictions on people travelling abroad this summer are still to be finalised, the pet travel scheme for pets travelling to Europe post-Brexit has been up and running since January. Please read on if you are thinking of taking your pet dog or cat to Europe this year.
What do I need to do now if I am planning to take my pet abroad?
For pets to be able to travel from the UK, the following procedure must be followed: 1. The pet must be microchipped 2. The pet must be vaccinated against rabies (booster injections are then required, usually every 3 years with the vaccine available in the UK)
These parts of the procedure must be completed at least 3 weeks before travel and many clients will arrange this well in advance of the anticipated travel date.
What do I need to do when I know the exact date that I wish to travel?
the UK to an EU country now need an Animal Health Certificate to be completed, signed and stamped by an Official Veterinarian (veterinary surgeon approved by the UK government). Most veterinary practices will employ at least one Official Veterinarian so that they can provide this service. The certificate must be completed within 10 days of the date of travel. A new document must be applied for, the pet must be examined and the certificate completed, every time the client and pet wish to travel.
What about returning to the UK from the EU?
The Animal Health Certificate is valid for re-entry to the UK for 4 months after it is issued. Other acceptable documents for return to the UK include the old-style UK Pet Passport and EU-issued pet passport.
The requirement for pets to have a tapeworm treatment administered and certified by a vet prior to return to the UK remains in place, as was the case with the previous system.
Further information regarding the pet travel service available at Acorn House can be found at https:// www.acornhousevets.co.uk/PetTravel1504.html The government advice related to the scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-petabroad
DogWatch
Dog Watch is a Bedfordshire police community volunteer scheme.
It is an initiative that encourages dog owners to be proactive and vigilant whilst walking their pets in their area.
The idea is for dog walkers to act as the eyes and ears for the local community and to report anything out of the ordinary on their regular routes. Because of their local knowledge, dog walkers will notice unusual or suspicious activity and anti-social behaviour.
For a scheme to get up and running there needs to be at least 8 volunteers in any area.
Dog Watch involves patrolling for two hours a month in pairs with your dog. Volunteers may commit more hours if you wish.
In order to become a member of the Dog Watch scheme, there is a vetting procedure that needs to be completed by all members for this volunteer role. Once this has been completed there will be a briefing session in which volunteers are advised on how patrols are booked, what constitutes a 999 call, a 101 non-emergency call and how to use the online reporting tool.
The purpose of Dog Watch is to look, listen and report what you see.
All volunteers are offered supported training patrols at the start of the scheme.
All Volunteers are fully insured with Bedfordshire Police and are provided with a High Viz Dog Watch tabard, ID card, pocket notebook, personal attack alarm, torch etc for use on patrol. All our volunteer schemes adhere to current covid regulations in regards social distancing Joining Dog Watch will give you the tools to report to the relevant authority whilst staying safe.
The scheme is a great way to build community relations and work in partnership with the Police and Local Authorities to reduce the fear of crime, deter offending and improve the quality of life in your area.
To find out more email watchschemes@
