Passports Replace Quarantines For Pets Coming Into Britain

British customs officials didn’t just let Frodo Baggins walk right into the country - the 5-year-old black pug had to have a passport.

Frodo made history Monday when he arrived from France and was allowed into Britain, the first animal to come in under a new program that gives pets passports. The pilot project is aimed at replacing a 100-year-old law requiring pets to be quarantined for six months upon arrival in Britain.

As of Monday, dogs and cats from 22 European countries were eligible, as were guide dogs from Australia and New Zealand. If successful, the program will be extended to pets from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Pets must be rabies-free and be treated for ticks and tapeworms 48 hours before departure.