If you're planning to take your pets abroad, how can you ensure you can bring them back again without being arrested – as Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was last night? Here's a rundown of things to remember.

Is quarantine a legal requirement?

Not anymore. Pet dogs and cats that are resident in either the United Kingdom, or one of the other qualifying countries, can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the rules of Defra's pet travel scheme.

What does the pet travel scheme involve?

First, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified. Then it must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination. Next you need to arrange a blood test to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies. Finally, your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before it is checked in for its journey into the UK.

Do you need a pet passport?

For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country, you will need to obtain an official third-country veterinary certificate (although note that Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports).

What if you have an old pets certificate that's still valid?

Animals can also enter the UK using a pets certificate issued before October 1 2004 up until its "valid until" date. Certificates issued on or after that date will not be acceptable for entry to the UK.

Can you travel with any company?

Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

· For more information on the authorised routes, travel companies and qualifying countries, contact Defra's pets helpline on 0870 241 1710 or see their website, defra.gov.uk.