I just received a letter in the post which I believe is our vet scaremongering to get us to re-vaccinate for rabies - can someone clarify for me if I'm right on this?

My understanding of the 'new' rules are that, if your rabies jab is out of date, all you need to do is get another jab and wait 21 days - no blood test required - is that correct?  I planned not to have their boosters done, and to wait until we know if/when we want to go abroad with them again, and get it done then.

But the letter from our vet says:

"I am writing to remind you that your pet requires a booster vaccination for rabies before 29th Sept 2013 to maintain protection against the rabies virus and to allow your pet to travel within the PETS scheme.  The vaccination can be given BEFORE the due date BUT NOT AFTER.  [Stuff about how it would be the ideal time to discuss teeth, worming/ be sold more products...]

Please note:  If the booster is not given by the due date, your pet will require another blood test to renew their PETs qualification."

That's not right, is it??  I want to write to them and tell them what I think of this, but just wanted to double check my facts before I do.

In Italy we are not obligated to give rabies vacc but if we wish to travel..eg to France,Uk etc then as you correctly say we would give the vacc and wait 21 days before we could travel.   No blood test is required.

> That's not right, is it?

No, it must be a standard letter template they used before the rules changed and they haven't updated it. No blood test is needed, just the 21 days wait.

Great thanks, have written them a strongly-worded letter.  They also give all dogs a full vaccination every year, so complaining about that whilst I'm at it... !

I've received exactly the same letter today, really confused!!

Was at vets on Thursday having rabies done and passport for my puppy and nothing was mentioned.

The letter also says UK accepts rabies vaccine lasts two years, I thought it was three years, and in the new passport I had done last Thursday the vet has indicated the next due date as 2016!!!!

It's probably an old 'form letter'.  You are correct, it's what I am doing, not giving boosters for Rabies for those with pet passports but will only give them a new jab 21+ days before I am planning to travel again.