Travellers urged to double check pets' documents

People travelling with pets are being reminded to check their European Union pet passport or Animal Health Certificate is valid before travelling.

The Jersey Animal Health and Welfare Team said a few new pet owners travelling to the EU in recent weeks to collect kittens and puppies had been refused travel because of invalid or fake pet passports.

It said this resulted in pet quarantine, revaccination "and significant associated costs".

The team said those looking to purchase new pets should be mindful of illegal trade of puppies and kittens in the EU and to contact them for advice.

The team also wanted to remind those returning to Jersey from the EU that dogs need to be treated for tapeworm within 24 to 120 hours of their scheduled arrival.

The government department said over winter sailings were more likely to be cancelled or rescheduled so advised people to consider the timing of treatment.

It said owners should also make sure their pet's rabies vaccine is valid and correctly recorded.

Pam Aubert, CEO of the JSPCA, said: "We work closely with the States Vets and Ports so if an animal comes in and it hasn't met their requirements we get a phone call to say can we look after it in quarantine until that person can provide the necessary, but we haven't many of them - but we're there to support when needed."

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