Bringing dog to UK-Confused

I've been reading all I can on Defra's website and am not understanding the difference between the 3rd country official veterinary certificate and the passport?
If we're from Canada do we need both? They also seem to do a poor job of providing links to these documents.

Can we take it to any veterinarian?

It also states we have to send blood test samples to an EU approved lab? Does my vet send this to closest one, which is US in our case?

Any help or links would be appreciated.

Josh

If you are at the beginning stages of the defra, i wouldn't worry too much about the certificate.

The first thing you need to focus on is getting your dog micro-chipped. This microchip must be ISO certified so they can read it with the UK readers at the airport.

Next, get the rabbies shot, make sure they document the microchip number on the rabies sheet.

Then, after about 3 weeks (21 days) get the blood test done, and the vet will send the blood sample to the appropriate lab. They should get the results back within 1 month. If it is more than .5 something or rather =) Then you have to wait 6 months.

Once this is all complete. and you are within a month or two of leaving i would worry about the certificate.

It is from my understanding that you need a passport if you are within the EU . which you are not, so you need a certificate. This certificate the vet should be able to provide and fill in.

** don't get the certificate until a month or two before you are planning ot leave. The certificate expires in 4 months. **

Hope that helps

am not understanding the difference between the 3rd country official veterinary certificate and the passport?

The passport was created under European Directive and applies to movement of family pets within the EU only.

We're doing this too.

Exactly as mentioned, you need the Third Party Veterinary Cert completed by your vet, and have it endorsed by the CFIA- however I never realized that was only good for four months- thanks for that.

We've done the microchip, rabies and blood tests already, and now have to wait until at least 26 September to go with him.

I suggest using an agency- they're a wonder of help. We've been using Kirstie at Ladyhaye via Zoom Airlines. Obviously more cost than doing yourself, but less stress.

Another good agency is Ontario is PetFlight (based out of Toronto). The owners, Pat and Jonathan are a wealth of information. I called many agencies before choosing these guys and they were really the most knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything that needs to be done, step by step. T