DOVER, England (AP) 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 on a ferry 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 their arrival in Britain.

As of Monday, dogs and cats from 22 European countries were eligible for a passport, 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 in 2001, a spokesman for the agriculture ministry said.

Under the program, Frodo was allowed to board the ferry late Sunday in Calais, France, after customs officials confirmed his identity and rabies-free status. Helen de Borchgrave, his owner, carried documents including blood test results and proof that Frodo had been treated for ticks and tapeworms 48 hours before departure.

When the project is fully operational, it is expected to aid the transit of some 300,000 pets every year. Animals who fail the test will be required to go into quarantine.

Pet passports purchased in France cost $46 dollars.