When bringing a pet to the UK, it is essential to follow all the requirements to prevent quarantine and ensure a smooth journey. Our team assists individuals in fulfilling their dreams of relocating to the UK, including guidance on bringing pets. Please contact us for more information on how we can make the process easier for you and your pet.
Listed or Unlisted Countries
The UK classifies countries based on rabies risk:
• Listed Countries: These include EU countries and other regions in the Pet Travel Scheme with a low rabies incidence. Pets from these countries face less stringent entry requirements.
• Unlisted Countries: Pets from these countries must meet more extensive requirements, including rabies blood tests and longer waiting periods. Check if your country is listed - https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/which-pet-travel-document From a listed country, you need one of the following documents to bring your pet to Great Britain:
• A pet passport issued in a listed country
• An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain in the past four months
• A pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021
• A Great Britain pet health certificate
Preparing for Travel
To bring your pet, ensure they meet the following requirements:
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Microchipping: The pet must be microchipped before receiving the rabies vaccination.
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Rabies Vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated against rabies and wait at least 21 days before the final veterinary check.
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Rabies Antibody Titer Test (only for pets from unlisted countries): Your pet’s blood sample must be taken at least 30 days post-vaccination and tested at an EU-approved lab.
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Health Certificate (Annex IV): Required for entry, certifying your pet's vaccinations and overall health.
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Tapeworm Treatment: This is required for dogs only, administered within 1-5 days before entry into the UK.
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Endorsement of Paperwork: Official certification of all documents is needed before travel.
Entry Requirements from Unlisted Countries
If entering the UK from an unlisted country, you must follow these steps after your pet’s rabies vaccination:
• Take a blood sample at least 30 days post-vaccination and have it tested at an EU-approved lab.
• Wait three months from the blood sample date before travel.
• Obtain a health certificate that documents the vaccination and blood test date.
Traveling to the UK with Your Pet
Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to the UK. Instead, they must travel in the cargo section, which can be distressing for some pets. However, alternative travel options are available:
Option A: Fly with your pet in cargo, working with a pet cargo company to handle the arrangements.
Option B: Travel to a listed country (such as France) and continue to the UK by ferry or through the Eurotunnel with a car. While this may sound more costly, it can sometimes be cheaper and less stressful for your pet.
For instance, if your cat lives in Turkey, an unlisted country, you would follow the steps above for microchipping, rabies vaccination, blood sampling, and obtaining the necessary certificates. Once ready, you can:
• Fly to the UK with your pet in the cargo section (Option A), or
• Travel to France or the Netherlands and then take a pet-friendly route via ferry or Eurotunnel to the UK (Option B).
Arrival in the UK
Upon arrival, your pet’s microchip and documents will be checked. In some cases, these checks occur before you board, especially for sea or Eurotunnel travel. If all requirements are met, your pet won’t need to quarantine. However, if the documents aren’t in order, your pet may be quarantined for up to four months at your expense.
Understanding the requirements can be confusing, but we are here to help you. We can discuss your options in detail and assist with the necessary arrangements. We also support clients in obtaining a Schengen visa for transit travel through listed countries.
Once the process is successfully completed, your pet will be able to join you in the UK. They will automatically have the right to indefinite leave to remain in the UK which is purrfect!
