Pet import requirements for the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom at a glance

The detail

For United Kingdom, start with this checkpoint: minimum of 15 weeks at time of import with valid rabies vaccination. The United Kingdom is an island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. Cargo and passenger-pet routings commonly use LHR, ABZ, BHX, EDI, GLA, LGW, and 15 other listed airports.

Import requirements

Minimum of 15 weeks at time of import with valid rabies vaccination.

Pregnant dogs and cats may be imported up to the last 10% of their pregnancy.

The movement of cats, dogs and ferrets is governed by two regimes, the “Balai Regime” (often referred to as commercial movements) and the Pet Travel Regulation. Both have similar requirements in regard to rabies vaccinations, tapeworm treatment, rabies serology tests etc.

https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain

A non-commercial movement is defined as ‘any movement which does not have its aim either the sale or the transfer of ownership of a pet animal’. This is subject to a maximum number of pets which may accompany their owner during a single non-commercial movement. The current maximum number of pets is five per person, unless attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event. The owner or someone traveling on the owner’s behalf must arrive in the UK within five days of the pets’ arrival.

If arriving as a non-commercial you will need the following:

• EU Pet Passport or Annex III GB Pet Health Certificate
• Be accompanied by an owners’ declaration. Evidence of the owner (or travel buddy)’s travel arrangements (such as a flight ticket with the name and flight details clearly visible) must also be in cluded.

• Rabies vaccination certificate/vaccination book
• For pets traveling from unlisted 3rd countries, the laboratory blood test results must also be in cluded.

Pets (dogs, cats and ferrets only) have to enter the UK under Balai rules if the following applies:

• More than five animals per person are traveling
• The movement in volves a change of ownership and/or re-homing, in cluding rescue animals being moved for re-homing in the UK.

• Pet animals that are not able to fulfill the requirement of the Pet Travel regulation for traveling within five days of their owner or owner’s representative.

If arriving as commercial, you will need the following:

• Annex I GB Health Certificate:

Non-EU countries must use certificate GBHC157X from 1 January 2021.

EU countries must use certificate GBHC157E from 1 January 2021.

All countries must use certificate GBHC640 from 30 April 2024.

• Rabies vaccination certificate/vaccination book
• For pets traveling from approved unlisted countries, the laboratory blood test results must also be in cluded. Pets traveling from unapproved unlisted countries are not able to arrive on a commercial health certificate.

Pets arriving on a commercial health certificate can only enter through the following border control posts: Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow or Heathrow.

Cats from Australia

To bring a cat into Great Britain from Australia, you must have a certificate from the Australian Department of Agriculture confirming your cat has not been exposed to the Hendra virus in the 60 days before you left.

Dogs and cats from Peninsular Malaysia

You must have a certificate from the Malaysian government veterinary health services to bring your dog or cat into Great Britain from Peninsular Malaysia. The certificate must show your pet:

• Has not had contact with pigs in the 60 days before you left
• Has not been on a holding where Nipah disease has been found in the 60 days before you left

• Has a negative blood test result for Nipah virus antibody - the test must be carried out by a laboratory approved for Nipah virus on a blood sample taken no more than 10 days before you leave

You must register the cat’s (from the 10th of June 2024) and/or dog’s microchip on a UK database within 30 days of import. Please visit the GOV.UK website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped

Identification and microchip

Your pet needs either a microchip, or a legible tattoo carried out before 3rd July 2011. Pets must be microchipped with ISO compatible transponder (International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785). If the microchip cannot be read by an ISO reader, the owner must supply a reader for the microchip.

A pet does not need to be microchipped if it’s been tattooed with an identification number and all of the following are true:

• The pet was tattooed on or before 3 July 2011
• The tattoo is clearly legible

• The pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed
• Date of tattooing, tattoo number and date of rabies vaccination must be recorded in the pet passport or health certificate.

If the microchip cannot be read, this will mean that a new one must be in serted by your vet, and will need to be re-vaccinated, take new blood tests if traveling from an Unlisted country, obtain a new pet passport stating the old microchip along with the new one in ‘Marking of Animals’

Rabies and vaccinations

Dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies before traveling to the UK. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. The vaccine must be an in activated vaccine or recombinant vaccine that’s approved in the country of use.

There is a 21 day wait after the primary vaccination (or the last of the primary course of vaccinations) before the pet can travel to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for listed countries. For unlisted countries, pets must wait at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination before they can have the blood test. The date of vaccination is day 0.

The pet must get their regular booster vaccinations, there cannot be a break between Rabies Vaccinations. If you miss the booster, the rabies vaccine will need to be re-administered and if arriving from a country that; s not part of the EU and not listed the rabies blood test will also need to be repeated.

The pet’s vaccination record in their pet passport or health certificate must show:

• The pet’s date of birth
• Microchip number, date it was put in or read, and its location on the pet’s body

• Vaccination date
• Vaccine manufacturer and product name

• Vaccine batch number
• Date the vaccination is valid until (as per manufacturer’s in structions in the country it was administered)

• The vet’s signature and contact details.

For pets vaccinated with Canvac R:

If the dog, cat or ferret has had the Canvac R vaccination, they must have had the right number of doses of the primary course. They’ll need:

• 1 dose if they were vaccinated over the age of 5 months
• 2 doses if they were vaccinated under the age of 5 months - the doses must have been 2 to 4 weeks apart

All pets with the Canvac R vaccination must be at least 17 weeks old before they travel.

For dogs vaccinated with Canvac DHPPiL + R:

If the dog has had the Canvac DHPPiL + R vaccine, both of the following must apply:

• The dog has had 3 doses of the primary course of the vaccine and each vaccine dose was 3 weeks apart
• The dog must also be at least 21 weeks old before they travel.

Pet passports or Rabies vaccination certificates, if issued from 29 December 2014 and the record is a sticker, this must be covered by a laminated strip (this is in cluded in the pet passport)

Rabies only - no other vaccinations required.

Tests and treatments

Pets from unlisted third countries must wait at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination before they can have the blood test. The blood test checks for antibodies.

The following rules must be observed:

• At least 30 days have passed since the rabies vaccination was given before the blood sample was taken
• The result of the test is equal to or greater than 0.5IU/ml

• At least 3 calendar months have passed between the date of the blood sample draw and the date of entry into Great Britain (if prepared outside the EU or UK)
• the blood test was carried out at an approved laboratory

Approved laboratories in the EU

Approved laboratories in Great Britain

Approved laboratories in other countries

The blood test will continue to be valid as long as the pet’s rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

No tapeworm treatment is needed for dogs traveling directly from:

• Northern Ireland
• Republic of Ireland

• Finland
• Malta

• Norway

Dogs from any other country must be treated using an authorised product effective against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm.

The treatment must be given by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before the expected arrival time in Great Britain. The vet does not have to be an Official Veterinarian (OV). The treatment must be approved for use in the country it is being given in, and contain praziquantel or an equivalent proven to be effective against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm.

This must be recorded in the dogs Pet Passport or health certificate with the following details:

• Name and Manufacturer of the product

• The date and time they treated your dog

• Their stamp and signature

Health certificate and permits

Health Certificate

Pets must be accompanied by one of the following:

• EU pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021
• EU pet passport issued in the EU or Northern Ireland

• Pet passport from another part 1 listed country
• GB pet health certificate

• Animal health certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain for travel to the EU and return to Great Britain up to 4 months after it was issued

The same rules of preparation apply whether an animal travels on a pet passport or a health certificate. Entries in both must be made by a vet authorized to do so.

Supporting documentation must in clude the rabies vaccination certificate, blood test results (If applicable), and a boarding pass or flight ticket alongside the non-commercial declaration, to check if the owner or authorized person has traveled within 5 days of the pet.

Commercial Movements:

Non-EU countries must use certificate GBHC157X from 1 January 2021.

EU countries must use certificate GBHC157E from 1 January 2021.

All countries must use certificate GBHC640 from 30 April 2024.

Pets traveling from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man do not need the above documentation.

Not required for imports of cats, dogs and ferrets.

https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain

Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Import live animals and germinal products to Great Britain under Balai rules - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Non commercial HC

Commercial HC

Noncompliance Form

Quarantine

Pets may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months if the above rules are not followed. The owner is responsible for any fees or charges.

Restrictions and banned breeds

In the UK, it’s against the law to own certain types of dog.

These are the:

• Pit Bull Terrier

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

XL Bully dogs are banned in England and Wales.

It’s against the law to:

• sell a banned dog

• abandon a banned dog

• give away a banned dog

• breed from a banned dog

Controlling your dog in public: Banned dogs - GOV.UK

It is a criminal of fence to keep an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption.

It is also an of fence to:

• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

• breed or breed from an XL Bully

• sell, give away or rehome an XL Bully

• abandon an XL Bully or let it stray

Applications for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog have closed. New exemptions can only be granted by a court order.

XL Bully dogs in Scotland - gov.scot

In the UK, it’s against the law to own certain types of dog. These are the:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

• XL Bully

F1 hybrid cat or dogs cannot enter GB under the scope of Regulation (EU) 576/2013. F1 hybrids and other non-domestic species should be imported in line with the requirements of the [IIN for the import of certain rabies susceptible animals under the Balai Directive (BLLV/5a).](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/other-live-animals-import-in formation-notes/import-of-certain-rabies-susceptible-animals-under-the-balai-directive-import-in formation-note-iin-bllv5a)

The import of some hybrid cats and dogs, up to and in cluding F4 generation, may require export and import certificates under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and/or under Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

Customs, agents, and airports

All pets arriving as manifest cargo will require a customs broker for clearance.

A destination agent is required for United Kingdom.

Please click here for approved routes and airlines, and here for approved ferry routes and companies. Pets travelling on a commercial health certificate must use one of the approved Border Control Posts: Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow or Heathrow.

Please note pets are only able to fly into the UK as manifest cargo.

Airports listed on this destination file: LHR, ABZ, BHX, EDI, GLA, LGW, MAN, SOU, BFS, EMA, STN, BRS, LTN, NCL, INV, JER, GCI, LBA, BOH, BHD, PIK.

Pet owners CANNOT clear their pets the mselves, without the help of a UK agent upon arrival.

Pets traveling by air must arrive as manifest cargo and be customs cleared with the help of a UK agent upon arrival. Hours of operation and import charges vary by animal receiving center/clearing agent.

You are required by law to advise the nature of your import and whether or not you are entitled to any VAT relief at the time of arrival. Pet owners transferring residency to the UK must apply for “Transfer of Residency” (ToR) relief with HMRC before arriving into the UK, if they wish to avoid paying VAT on arrival. This process must be done by the owner on the following link: *www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-transfer-of-residence-tor-relief-tor01*

*NB. If a pet arrives into the UK without a ToR reference, then VAT will need to be paid.Owners can request retrospective ToR relief from HMRC and, if a ToR reference is issued, the VAT can be reclaimed. There is a time-limit of 12 months from date of arrival for this. In this in stance the owner reclaims any VAT paid on deposit. *Students are also exempt from paying VAT if they can provide sufficient evidence of enrollment.

Any person importing pets for the purpose of sale or resale, breeding and production who are VAT registered will require an active EORI number prior to arrival so that they may reclaim VAT. Applications can be made via the following link: www.gov.uk/eori

List of approved UK Border Control Post (BCP) can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-border-control-posts-animal-and-animal-product-imports/live-animals-animal-products-and-food-and-feed-of-non-animal-origin-border-control-posts-bcp-in-the-uk#border-control-posts-bcps-at-airports

Export notes

You need an animal health certificate for your dog, cat or ferret if you’re traveling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country or Northern Ireland (although there are no checks carried out for pets moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the moment).

You must get an animal health certificate in the 10 days before you enter the EU as long as your pet either:

• Has an up-to-date rabies vaccination already
• Only needs booster doses to keep the vaccination up to date

If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination date before you get an animal health certificate. Day 1 is the day after vaccination.

The certificate needs to be signed by an ‘of ficial veterinarian’ (OV). Check your vet can issue animal health certificates. If they cannot, ask them to help you find an OV.

The pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:

• 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
• 4 months for on ward travel within the EU

• 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

The pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Dogs, cats and ferrets do not require CITES import/export permits. Some other animals that can be brought in as pets e.g. pet birds do. Please click here for more in formation.

There will be specific requirements for pets entering the UK other than cats, dogs and ferrets. Please contact the importer or imports@apha.gov.uk for guidance.

All animal owners must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act 2006: owners and keepers have a duty of care to their animals and they must make sure that their needs are met:

• For a suitable environment and place to live

• For a suitable diet

• To exhibit normal behavior patterns

• To be housed with, apart from, other animals (if applicable)

• To be protected from pain, in jury, suffering and disease

The act prohibits animal cruelty which in cludes:

• Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal

• Mutilation

• Docking of dog’s tails

• Fighting

• Poisoning an animal

Anyone who does not comply with the Act may:

• Be banned from owning animals

• Face an unlimited fine

• Be sent to prison for up to 5 years

• Seizure of pets

If Owners are collecting or travelling with their pets, they must adhere to the Highway Code Rule 57 and Welfare if Dogs: Code of Practice (Scotland): all pets must be suitably restrained to prevent in juries to you or the mselves, and from distractions, restraints such as a seat blet harness, dog cage, pet carrier or dog guard are suitable restraints.

NOTES ON CUSTOMS (HMRC) REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF YOUR PET/SMALL ANIMAL

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY FROM NON EU COUNTRIES:

OWNERS OF PETS TRANSFERRING RESIDENCY FROM NON EU COUNTRIES

• Owners must apply for Transfer of Residency (ToR) relief in advance of arrival, the process is not complicated, owners should complete the form on the following link and then submit to HMRC

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-transfer-of-residence-tor-relief-tor01 A reference number will then be issued by HMRC which will allow the pet to enter the UK without payment of VAT

• If there is no ToR reference number available at the time of arrival in the UK Customs VAT will be payable, this can be reclaimed when the ToR reference has been issued.

OWNERS OF PETS WHO ARE UK RESIDENT RETURNING TO THE UK AFTER VISITING A NON EU COUNTRY – No VAT will be payable provided owners can:

Provide proof that the dog exited the UK with them – ie copy export AWB

• Proof of UK residency is also required

NON EU RESIDENTS VISITING THE UK WITH THEIR PETS:

A full temporary import customs entry will be required, where you will declare your date of departure from the UK

• You must provide proof of your departure i.e. a copy AWB in order to inform HMRC of your departure

ANY ANIMAL ENTERING THE UK WHICH HAS BEEN OWNED FOR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OR IS CHANGING OWNERSHIP, OR BEING PURCHASED IS LIABLE TO PAY CUSTOMS VAT.

Customs VAT is calculated as follows:

Value of animal

• Cost of transport and arrival charges
• Total x 20% gives you an estimate of VAT valuation.

Any person importing pets for the purpose of sale or resale, breeding and production who are VAT registered will require an active EORI number prior to arrival so that they may reclaim VAT

Applications can be made via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/eori

Current as of November-2017

Moving a pet from England, Scotland and Wales to Northern Ireland: Until further notice, there will be no routine physical or documentary checks on the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets traveling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland where Northern Ireland is the final destination.

There are no checks for animals moving into Northern Ireland from Ireland.

BREXIT INFORMATION - *last update: 13-Jan-2021*

Nick Foden-Ellis, IPATA’s EU Regional Director (nick@starwoodanimaltransport.co.uk) is IPATA’s primary contact for updates on BREXIT in formation. If you receive any in formation from DEFRA or the EU Commission, please send it to him to review before it is released to the membership. There is so much misinformation being distributed that, unless the in formation you receive comes directly from DEFRA or the EU Commission, then it’s best that you refer directly to DEFRA’s website where they are listing the latest in formation about BREXIT and pet travel. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit.

In Nick’s December meeting with DEFRA, they explained that Defra has launched pet travel guidance for each of the scenarios they may encounter after leaving the EU, in cluding if the UK becomes an unlisted third country. These guidelines recommend that pet/assistance animal owners in tending to travel to the EU with their pet after 29th March 2019 contact their vet at least *four months* before their travel date to get advice on what they may need to do to prepare. The recommendations also address the documents and health preparation that may be required for pets to return to the UK from the EU.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UK Commercial Arrivals from the EU (email to group 13-Jan-21)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE: December 16, 2020

DEFRA have issued the below press statement this afternoon.

Effectively the UK has been granted Part 2 Listed status by the EU, which means that pets travelling in to the EU from the UK, will not need a rabies blood test and 3 month wait, which is great news. It does however mean that UK issued EU Pet Passports will not be recognised by the EU and UK pets will need in ternational health certificates to travel to the EU. Not perfect, but a step in the right direction.

More details below. If you have questions, please feel free to ask.

I would reiterate that the regulations for pets coming in to the UK will not change, only the paperwork will change – we are hoping DEFRA will get the Non-commercial certificate out soon too.

--Nick Foden-Ellis

New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021:

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the European Union with their pets at the end of the transition period.

The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

From 1 January 2021 on wards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport:

• Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.
• Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
• Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
• Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing, if they are travelling to a tapeworm free country.
• Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Pets and assistance dogs will also need to enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry (TPE), which in cludes all the major French ports such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.

All of these requirements will also apply for movements of pets and assistance dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on an enforcement approach that takes this challenge into account. This approach will be implemented in a way which supports pet owners and assistance dog users while the Government pursues a permanent solution.

There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the EU after 1 January 2021 can be found here.

Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nov 16, 2020 (Source: ATA Email)

DEFRA - Key Information about Exporting Live Animals from Great Britain to the European Union

Exporting Live Animals from Great Britain to the European Union webinar: https://youtu.be/WSGNd_CrnsM

Exporting Equines from Great Britain to the European Union: https://youtu.be/QBDVqIiIpCE

Exporting Composite Goods from Great Britain to the European Union: https://youtu.be/OoiXIyU22cA

Exporting Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from Great Britain to the European Union: https://youtu.be/-s5HrIq5Ojc

Exporting Fish and Fishery Products for Human Consumption from Great Britain to the European Union: https://youtu.be/x3p4W-dBsPM

Export Health Certificates: https://youtu.be/5Kp8Q6t20DI

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dec 10, 2018 (Source: DEFRA Email)

Materials that can be shared with your customers or on social media:

• DEFRA Pet Travel Posters
• Pet Travel Leaflet
• Defra Social Media video

Dec 10, 2018 (Source: DEFRA Email)

• Pet Travel Q&A for Transport Carriers (Launch date: 9 Nov 2018)

DEFRA Website:

• Pet Travel to Europe After Brexit
• Taking Your Pet Abroad if there is No Brexit Deal
• [Individuals travelling with pets - what to expect on day one of a 'no deal' scenario](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/partnership-pack-preparing-for-a-no-deal-eu-exit/in dividuals-travelling-with-pets-what-to-expect-on-day-one-of-a-no-deal-scenario)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jan-16-19

This evening, the Government survived the Vote of No Confidence, so now they have several options which in clude a No Deal BREXIT on 29 Mar, an extension to the 29 Mar exit date (for what purpose, no one knows the answer yet!), a people’s vote, or 2nd Referendum to ask if the people still wish to leave the EU, or a new exit deal. The Prime Minister has said she will talk to all party leaders and senior parliamentarians to work out the way forward. I suspect the sensible money would be on at least a delay and maybe a 2nd Referendum, but no one knows for sure.

Jan-15-19

The UK Parliament has rejected the UK Government’s proposed BREXIT deal! The vote, which was delayed from December took place just after 1900 UK time on Tues 15 Jan and resulted in the biggest defeat of a sitting Government in UK Parliamentary history. The Labour party has now tabled a vote of no confidence in Theresa May’s Government, which will be discussed and voted on at about 1900 on Wed 16 Jan. The implications for BREXIT remain unclear, although the 29 March deadline, looks almost certain to slip. How far and what the next proposal may look like is uncertain right now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q&A on Brexit:

*Answers provided by Nick Foden-Ellis/Starwood UK & IPATA EUR RD*Q: May we ask if the Transfer of Residence (ToR) document will be required after Brexit?

This was an EU imposition. Presumably we may return to the C5 document for entry to UK? (03JAN2019: Tim Harris, Manoir Kanisha)

A: It depends completely on the deal or no deal scenario (04JAN2019)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~July-27-2017 - Requirements

The Pet Travel Scheme allows pet cats, dogs and ferrets from any country, to enter Great Britain without quarantine as long as they meet certain conditions. The pet travel scheme can only be used for pet dogs, cats and ferrets that are travelling for non-commercial reasons (no in tention for sale or transfer of ownership) and the move is associated with the relocation of the owner.

The rules for entry are as follows:

EU PET Moves:

• Move must occur within 5 days of owner or nominated responsible persons travel and be associated with your transfer of residency or visit
• Must be micro chipped prior to the in itial rabies vaccination

• After micro chipping, must be vaccinated against rabies and wait 21 days.

Note – Date of vaccination is classed as day ‘0’

• Be treated for tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK. The treatment must contain praziquantel. (Dogs only)

Not required for dogs arriving from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway

• Be accompanied by an EU Pet Passport or Endorsed EU Third Country (Annex IV) Health Certificate
• Be accompanied by an owners’ declaration. Evidence of the owner/person responsible travel arrangements should be available

• Travel with an approved carrier on an approved route
• Travel as manifest cargo

Listed 3rd Country PET moves:

The move must occur within 5 days of owner or nominated responsible persons travel and be associated with your transfer of residency.

Must be micro chipped.

After micro-chipping, must be vaccinated against rabies and wait 21 days.

Date of vaccination is classed as day ‘0’.

Be treated for tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5) days before its scheduled arrival time in the UK. The treatment must contain praziquantel. (Dogs only)

(Not required for dogs arriving from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway)

Be accompanied by either an:

a) EU Pet Passport

i. Please note that only an EU Official vet can issue and complete the rabies section however any vet may complete the tapeworm page

ii. Be accompanied by an owners declaration

b) Annex IV EU Health Certificate

i. Must be endorsed by the National Government Veterinary Authority

ii. The owner / responsible person’s declaration must be completed

iii. Be accompanied by supporting paperwork e.g. Rabies vaccination certificate

Evidence of owner / responsible person’s own travel should be available.

Travel with an approved carrier on an approved route.

Travel as manifest cargo.

If you cannot comply with point 1 then the movement is considered ‘unaccompanied / commercial’ and the entry rules are slightly different which are as follows:

Comply with points 2 – 4 shown above

Be accompanied by an Annex I EU Health Certificate

This certificate must be endorsed by the National Government Veterinary Authority

Arrive at an approved Border Inspection Post. In the UK there are three such facilities located at;

a) Edinburgh Airport

b) Gatwick Airport

c) Heathrow Airport

The above Border Inspection Posts can accept a range of animals.

Un-Listed 3rd Country PET moves:

In addition to the above requirements a valid blood test is required.

At least 30 days after vaccination have had a successful rabies titre blood test which has been completed at an EU approved laboratory after which 3 calendar months must pass before travel

Approved Laboratories in Non EU Countries & Approved Laboratories in EU Countries:

http://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/approved-labs/index_en.htm

Note – If the pet is returning on a pet passport where the blood test was completed, prior to its departure it does not require to wait 3 months

Approved routings and further in formation can be found on the DEFRA website https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/approved-routes however please note that only pets travelling under the ‘PET PASSPORT SCHEME’ can use all routes if the move is commercial you may only arrive on the approved routes to Heathrow, Gatwick and Edinburgh.

*NOTE: A number of animals are vaccinated with a 3 year Rabies vaccination, please be aware that a number of these vaccinations require a booster within 1 year, if this is not administered then the vaccination expires after one year not 3 years. Please check the makers’ data sheet.*Provided by Sylvia Fleming, Extrordinair Ltd.

Official contacts

The U.K. is comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, The Isle of Man and the Jersey Channel Is.

Scotland, N. Ireland, Wales and England are effectively separate provinces of the UK. Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)Tel: +44(0)3000 200 301Email: imports@apha.gov.ukWebsite: www.gov.uk/apha

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) – Pet Travel Helpline

Tel: +44(0)3000 200 301

Email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk

Website

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

Closed on bank holidays

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - CITES teamCentre for International Trade – BristolTeL: +44(0)117 372 3700Email applications: CITESapplication@apha.gov.ukEmail enquiries: wildlife.licensing@apha.gov.ukWebsite: www.gov.uk/apha

From 1 January 2021 imports and exports of CITES specimens to and from the UK may only take place at the designated UK ports listed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trading-cites-listed-species-through-uk-ports-and-airports-after-brexit

UP TO DATE AS OF MARCH 2025

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-04-10.

Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.

Other destinations: Albania · Andorra · Austria · all destinations