Don’t forget your pupper-work!

Thursday 10 October 2019

A ferry passenger's failed attempt to bring puppies over to sell without any documentation has sparked a warning from the States Vet about getting paperwork in order before importing fluffy cargo to Jersey.

Veterinary Officer Brian Smith is reminding people who import dogs, cats or ferrets for sale or rehoming in Jersey to ensure they’re carrying all the correct paperwork to guarantee entry to the island.

The reminder was prompted by an incident last month when a ferry passenger arriving at Elizabeth Terminal with three puppies they intended to sell in Jersey was refused entry to the island because they didn’t have the necessary documentation. 

Pictured: A ferry passenger was refused entry to the island because they were trying to sell three puppies without any documentation.

The person was stopped by an Animal Health Officer for bringing the dogs over without an import license or the correct health certification for the puppies.

Mr Smith, who has been appointed to the post on an interim basis, is a specialist in import controls and audit of border inspection posts, export certification, responsibility for rabies controls and quarantine, Balai management of zoo animals and EU trade in animals and animal products. 

He is reminding those wishing to sell or rehome animals in the island that there are several requirements in place to regulate the sale of dogs and cats across the whole of the European Union, its territories and Crown Dependencies.

Pictured: The States Vet Brian Smith. (Government of Jersey)

To import dogs and cats into the island for sale or rehoming the following is required:

• an import license which is issued by the veterinary team in Natural Environment;
• an EU Intra Trade Animal health certificate;
• a valid pet passport for each pet.

This year, so far, 28 import licenses have been issued to import 19 cats and 83 dogs for sale or rehoming from EU countries entering Jersey. 

Those who intend to bring an animal to Jersey needs to contact the States Veterinary Department as early on as possible as the process can take several weeks or even months.

Pictured: A valid pet passport is needed for each animal amongst other documentation. (Press Association)

The States Veterinary Officer said: “Ideally obtaining a pet from a registered local breeder where you can visit the owner and in the case of a puppy or kitten see it with its mother, is the preferred option as this helps to mitigate disease and ensures the best welfare for the animal.  

“However, if people do choose to import they must make sure they follow the correct procedures. If the paperwork isn’t in order the animal and owner may be refused entry and sent back to the port of departure.”