The Department for Environment Food and Rural affairs has marked the 10th anniversary of the Pet Travel Scheme with the release of some interesting facts and figures...

The scheme started on 28 February 2000 when owners were first able to travel to and from the UK without placing their pets in quarantine, as long as they fulfilled certain important disease control criteria.

A pug called Frodo Baggins was the first animal to travel with a pet passport and since then, 660,000 pet journeys have been made using pet passports.

60 per cent of the pets that have travelled under the scheme belong to UK owners. Animals from Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands make up about another 20 per cent.

According to Defra, the scheme was set up in response to growing demand from owners to travel with their pets, and the declining risk of disease allowed these changes to be made. In 2004 the European Union followed the UK's lead and introduced a similar system for all Member States which has also proved very successful.

Defra says the success of the scheme is fully demonstrated by the fact that it has not been associated with a single case of rabies. Animal Welfare Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "The Pet Travel Scheme was set up to enable British animal owners to enjoy travelling with their pets when they need to. The success of the scheme shows that responsible pet ownership makes a large contribution to managing disease risks effectively."

As rabies in Europe steadily reduces, and with EU harmonised rules continuing to successfully control rabies, Defra says it is monitoring developments in vaccination and disease management in the EU and round the world to ensure that the UK has the most effective and proportionate controls possible as circumstances continue to change.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.