Since it was announced that our furry friends would soon be welcomed from the US and Canada without a six-month quarantine period, we took a closer look at Great Britain's changing Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) (+44 0 870 241 1710).

Families-with-kid-and-pet-travelers may recall that in order to waive the quarantine, animals must be microchipped and vaccinated by a veterinarian, who also administers a blood test at least six months before traveling. Only dogs, cats, and ferrets are allowed.  The latest details can be found at DEFRA (www.defra.gov.uk), which also notes that certain dogs are prohibited from living in or entering Britain: the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and the Fila Braziliero.

Meanwhile, several airlines have been working to comply with the Animal Health Ministry's PETS requirements for direct long haul air transport into the UK. Kid-friendly Virgin Atlantic flies pets between Heathrow and several major U.S. cities, while Continental Airlines has been approved for direct flights from Cleveland, Houston and Newark to London Gatwick and Manchester, though the airline announced it will only accept accompanied animals.

Within Europe, P&O Ferries will accept pets (except if you are traveling between Portmouth and Bilboa); however, they must be kept below deck in a kennel or holding area.  Depending on the destination city, some owners may be able to visit their pets during the journey while others may not. SAS will fly all pets with papers to and from the UK, but special request is needed for large animals.  Sterling (formerly Maersk) offers its own Pet Travel Programs in which specialized "agents" help arrange your pets' transport for you.  Please make sure you check out the website for more details and sign up before your departure.  Britannia, KLM and GB Airways will fly pets in from many other cities to Gatwick or Heathrow. From Asia, the approved Singapore Airlines leads the pet parade from Singapore to Heathrow. 

For a full list of approved PETS carriers, see the most up to date DEFRA contact sheet on the website.