gov uk travel with dog

Pet travel webchat

Webchat can help with general pet travel requirements. If you have a specific question, call our helpline.

We are running the webchat as a trial, so we may ask you to provide feedback.

Webchat opening hours

• Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
• Bank holidays, Closed

Webchat - There are currently no agents available, try again later.

Pet travel guidance

• Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
• Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

JavaScript is turned off in your web browser.

Turn it on to take full advantage of this site, then refresh the page.

Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows:

• Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
• Cats (Felis silvestris catus)
• Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

to enter or re-enter the UK without serving statutory quarantine providing they comply with PETS. More information on PETS is on the Bring your dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain GOV.UK page.

Criteria for a 'non-commercial' movement

• The owner, or designated person, must travel within five days of the pets.
• No more than five pets in the consignment
• A non-commercial entry document is issued with a signed declaration.

Your pet must be booked as manifest cargo on an approved airline. You may need to apply for Transfer of Residency relief (ToR1). Information is at Entering and staying in the UK on the GOV.UK page. 

Travel from a listed country (Part 1 and 2)

A list of these countries is on the listed and unlisted countries GOV.UK page. The required order of preparation is:

Go to the microchip GOV.UK page. Their microchip:

• Should be ISO 11784/5 compliant (15 numerical digits)
• Must have been implanted and scanned prior to their rabies vaccination

We have microchip scanners that are able to read AVID (9 digits), FECAVA (10 digits, alphanumeric) and Trovan standard microchips too.

Rabies vaccination

Go to the rabies vaccinations and boosters GOV.UK page. Ensure the rabies vaccine is administered:

• After their microchip was implanted and read. The vaccinating vet must scan their microchip prior to vaccination.
• In accordance with the manufacturer's and countries data sheet
• When your pet was at least 12 weeks old
• At least 21 days prior to arrival (day of vaccine = day 0)

DOGS only: Tapeworm treatment

Go to the tapeworm treatment for dogs GOV.UK page. Ensure the treatment:

• Is administered by your vet
• Contains the active ingredient praziquantel
• Is administered no less than 24 hours arrival before arrival
• Is administered no more than 120 hours (five days) before arrival
• Is recorded in full on their entry document

Tapeworm treatment is not required for dogs arriving from Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway

Get an entry document issued

The entry document required depends on the country your pet is travelling from:

Part 1 listed countries

• EU Pet Passport.  These can only be issued by vets in a Part 1 listed country. Third country vets (Eg. USA, Canada) are not authorised to enter information in sections labelled "Authorised veterinarian" – doing so may make it invalid for entry. Tapeworm treatments may be documented by third country vets. Go to the listed and unlisted countries GOV.UK page.
• Animal Health Certificate. This is completed by a official vet in Great Britain for return travel to the EU. From the date of issue you have 10 days to enter the EU or Northern Ireland. You may return to Great Britain within 4 months of the date of issue.

Part 2 listed and unlisted countries

• GB Health Certificate. This is completed by your authorised/official vet, and then endorsed by the competent authority in the country of origin. You must include supporting documentation with this certificate. Your pet must enter Great Britain no later than 10 days from the date of endorsement by the competent authority. Go to the listed and unlisted countries GOV.UK page.

EU Pet Passports and Animal Health Certificates cannot be used as an entry document from part 2 and unlisted countries.

Cats from Australia

Cats from Australia must be accompanied with a certificate from the Australian veterinary authorities confirming that they have not been on a holding where Hendra virus has been confirmed during the  60 days before export.

Pets from Malaysia (Peninsula)

Health certification must be provided by the Malaysian veterinary authorities which confirms they:

• Had no contact with pigs during at least the 60 days before export.
• Had not been resident on holdings where during the past 60 days any case of Nipah disease has been confirmed.
• Had a NIPAH test with a negative result. This must be carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for antibody against the Nipah disease viruses by the competent veterinary authorities on a sample of blood taken within ten days of export.

Pets imported for commercial purposes and those which cannot be accompanied as above must travel under the  Trade and import regime .

Travel from an unlisted country

Any country that is not Part 1 or 2 listed on the GOV.UK page is classified as unlisted. In addition to the requirements above, you pet will need:

Rabies serology test

To be valid this must:

• Be performed at an EU approved laboratory
• Be based on a blood sample drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination (the date of vaccination is day 0)
• Return a titre of at least 0.5iu
• A waiting period of three months from the sample date must pass before entry. Your pet may re-enter the EU without the three month post-blood test wait providing they vaccinated against rabies and blood sampled whilst still in the EU. This must be documented in your pet's EU Passport by your vet.
• The blood test remains valid for entry providing your pet has remained vaccinated against rabies without any breaks/gaps since the blood sample. We must see evidence of all subsequent vaccinations in the form of a vaccination booklet or certificates. These must all list your pet's microchip number.

What happens if there are problems with my paperwork?

This is likely to result in delays in releasing your pet and you could incur extra charges. Non-compliances are grouped into three categories:

• Section 1: Minor administrative errors by the issuing vet. No clarification from the issuing vet required and no further action required.
• Section 2: Errors with the paperwork that will require us to contact the vet for clarification before release. This will incur an administrative fee of £90.
• Section 3: Serious error with the paper work that could result in your pet needing to serve quarantine, or be re-exported to the country of origin. This also includes issues such as tapeworm re-treatment or new entry paperwork being issued. These will incur further charges.

Common problems

Your vet needs to record the following information about the rabies vaccination:

• Manufacturer (eg. Merck, Zoetis, Merial, Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Product name (Eg. Nobivac, Defensor, Imrab)
• Batch number
• Validity dates

We often see entry paperwork where the vet has only stated the manufacturer, and not the product name. This will result in your pet being held at our facility until we can confirm this information from the vet who administered the vaccine, incurring a £90 administrative fee.

Your pet must be identifiable via microchip before it is vaccinated against rabies. The vaccinating vet must scan and record the microchip number of your pet before administering a rabies vaccine. Any rabies vaccinations administered before microchipping are not valid for entry.

We advise you review your pet's veterinary records to find the date the microchip was implanted so this can be recorded on the entry document. if you cannot find this date, a reading date can be entered. However this first reading date must be before the rabies vaccination(s).

Most three year rabies vaccinations are only valid for three years if they're given as a booster within the validity of a one year primary rabies vaccination. The entire rabies vaccination course must have been administered:

• After their microchip was implanted/read
• In accordance to the manufacturer and countries requirements

If your pet's three year booster was given more than one year before its scheduled entry you will need to include evidence of its vaccination history in the form of vaccination certificates, or a booklet. You must ensure the following information is present:

• Microchip number
• Manufacturer of vaccine (Eg. Merck, Merial, Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Product name of vaccine (eg. Nobivac R, Imrab, Defensor)

Any breaks in vaccination will invalidate subsequent boosters and we cannot use any vaccinations that occur before its microchip was implanted or read. The first vaccine after a break or microchip implant is considered its primary vaccine, valid for one year only.

Frequent issues with tapeworm treatment include:

• A treatment given that does not contain the active ingredient 'Praziquantel', eg. Pfizer Cestex
• The tapeworm treatment is administered by the owner, and not the vet. 
• The treatment was not administered at least 24 hours before arriving at Heathrow, or more than 120 hours (five days) before arriving. You must allow for time zone differences, these time frames are based on UK (GMT) time.

If your dog arrives without a valid tapeworm treatment it will be re-treated by a vet at HARC. This will incur re-treatment costs and another 24-hour boarding fee.

Popular Topics

Search the uk rules.

The information in this section explains the current rules for bringing a pet dog, a cat, or a ferret into the United Kingdom. The EU Pet Travel Scheme covers the regulations and guidelines to take pets abroad, whether as part of a holiday or to live on a permanent basis.

PETS SCHEME UK : Other important topics in this guide also include pet passports and the most current microchipping laws .

We cover the law for travelling with a guide dog or assistance dogs. Read on for essential information on animal rabies vaccinations and quarantine rules.

There are specific rules for bringing your pet dog, cat, or ferret into the United Kingdom.

• It got microchipped and has a pet passport. A 3rd country official veterinary certificate also meets the requirements.
• The animal has had a vaccination against the rabies virus .

Note : The pet will also need a blood test if you travel from an ‘ unlisted country ‘ into the United Kingdom. As a rule, pet dogs need a tapeworm treatment as well.

Failing to follow these rules has its consequences. Pets may get put in rabies quarantine for a period up to 4 months. The same applies if you travel by sea and get refused entry into the United Kingdom.

Any fees or charges caused by this will be your responsibility for payment. Extra rules also apply if the animal:

• Will get sold in the United Kingdom. This rule applies to animals from countries inside and outside the European Union.
• Will be rehomed in the United Kingdom. This rule applies to animals from countries inside and outside the European Union.

Note : Different rules apply for entering other countries with your pet from the UK. It is best to check the regulations of the country where you plan to travel.

Checks to Make Before Travelling

It is prudent to check a few things before you travel out of the United Kingdom with pets. You should find out whether the company you choose to travel with:

• Is going to accept your pet for travel and how their rules apply to your journey.
• How many pets they will accept if you plan travelling with several animals at one time.
• Requires any specific proof that the pet or pets are fit and healthy for travel purposes.
• Need a letter from a veterinarian. Some companies may ask for verification of information stamped in the pet passport.

Bringing Your Pet into the United Kingdom

The PETS travel scheme rules allow up to five (5) days for pet arrivals to the UK before or after you. There are a different set of rules to follow if the animal does not arrive within that five day window period.

As a rule, you must travel with your pet using an approved transport company and route. The exception applies when travelling between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Note : You will need to fill in a ‘ Declaration for the non-commercial movement of animals ‘. This form is to confirm that do not intend to sell or transfer pet ownership to another person.

Authorise another Person to Travel with Pets

The Pet Travel Scheme legislation permits someone else to travel with your pet or pets. But, you would need to provide authorisation in writing. Make sure you do this before another person travels with the animal(s).

Bringing in other Animal Species

Note : There are some different rules that apply when bringing certain other animals into the United Kingdom.

Pet Travel Scheme UK Rules

The process of bringing your pet cat, dog or ferret into the United Kingdom varies. In simple terms the rules to follow depend on whether you are entering from:

• A country within the European Union or another country that meets the UK pet passport rules.
• One of the listed countries.
• An unlisted country. The UK does not accept a pet passport from any of the unlisted countries.

Country’s Pet Passports accepted by the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom accepts pet passport entries from all countries listed in the EU. The same applies for these other Non EU countries:

• Andorra, Azores, and Madeira
• Canary Islands
• French Guiana
• Gibraltar, Greenland, Guadeloupe, and the Faroe Islands
• Liechtenstein
• Martinique and Monaco
• San Marino and Switzerland
• The Vatican City

Pet Passport Listed Countries

Listed countries for bringing in pet dogs, cats, and ferrets to the United Kingdom include:

• Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Australia
• Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, BES Islands (Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba), Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands
• Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Curacao
• Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia
• Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat
• New Caledonia, New Zealand
• Russian Federation
• Saint Maarten, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and The Grenadines
• Taiwan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates, USA (includes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US virgin Islands)
• Wallis and Futuna

Special rules apply if you travel with a pet from Jamaica to the UK. You need to get your pet microchipped and vaccinated in a different non-EU listed country. The alternative would be to put a pet in rabies quarantine for the minimum period.

Note : Extra rules apply to pet passports and other documentation. Check the laws if you enter the UK with a cat or dog from Malaysia or a cat from Australia.

Approved Routes for Assistance Dogs

If you travel with a service dog you must use specified travel routes to enter England, Scotland, or Wales. The same rule applies to using certain travel companies.

The GOV.UK has a publication covering those routes. Check ‘ Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes ‘ before you travel. But, be aware that they may change or only operate at certain peak times of the year.

Note : As a rule, pets will travel as cargo. Even so, different rules apply when arriving by sea or air with a guide dog or assistance dogs .

Travelling to and from Ireland and Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is in control here. You can contact DAERA if your journeys goes to Northern Ireland. But, there is no need to use an approved transport company while travelling from Ireland to the UK.

Note : If you travel with a pet into the UK from Ireland you can only bring it on an airplane or by private boat.

Bringing Multiple Pets into the UK

There are strict rules about bringing more than 5 pets to the United Kingdom. You cannot do so without a valid reason. Examples include attending or training for a show, competition, or a sporting event. In this case ‘ all the pets ‘ must:

• Be attending the training or event.
• Be at least 6 months old.
• Meet all the UK Pet Travel Rules and regulations.

Note : You must provide written evidence of the event registration when travelling.

You will need to complete a declaration confirming that you meet the requirements. There is a different declaration form if you will arrive in Northern Ireland.

What if you are not attending or training for a show, competition, or sporting event? There are other commercial rules for importing animals when you travel with more than 5 pets.

Dogs Arriving in the UK

Staff at the airport, or from the travel company, will scan the pet microchip upon arrival. They will also check your documentation when you arrive with dogs in the United Kingdom.

In some cases they will check your pet before you board. This would happen if you travel by sea ferry or through the Eurotunnel.

Border control can put the pet into quarantine or send it back to the country that it travelled from unless you:

• Have the correct documentation for entering the United Kingdom with a pet.
• Prepare the dog, cat, or ferret properly for international travel.

Note : It is your responsibility to pay for any fees or charges if you fail to follow the rules.

Entering the UK from a Country Outside the EU

You cannot collect the pet until it gets taken through customs control. A travel company, agent, or the airline will often do this for you. But, there may be a fee. Failing that, you should either:

• Contact the customs department where you will arrive (before travelling).
• Get more information from the National Clearance Hub at [email protected] .

ALSO IN THIS SECTION

Pet microchipping laws.

The pet microchipping procedure is most associated with the PETS Travel Scheme. The section explains how the pet microchip rules function in the United Kingdom.

Pet Passport and Documents

Travelling to and from abroad with a pet is much easier since the 2012 changes in the Pet Travel Scheme. Even so, the guide will help you understand how the pet passport scheme works.

Rabies Vaccination Rules

Getting a dog, cat, or a ferret vaccinated against rabies means it can travel in and out of the UK. Check how the pet rabies vaccination rules apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Guide and Assistance Dogs

The section explains the guidelines for international travel with a guide dog . It also covers the rules for travelling overseas with other assistance dogs.

PET Helpline

The page lists the Pet Travel Scheme helpline number and email address. Use these contact details to get more information or make a complaint to the pet travel helpline.

Note : Pet owners can check the GOV.UK website for the latest advice on travelling with pets ahead of the formal end to the EU exit transition period.

Pet Travel - Can I Bring My Dog With Me to the UK?

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (a move known as "Brexit") formally occurred on January 31, 2020. Following that departure is a transition period lasting until December 31, 2020, during which the U.K. and E.U. will negotiate the terms of their future relationship. This article has been updated as of the January 31st withdrawal, and you can find up-to-date information about details of the transition on the U.K.'s government website .

Yes you can bring your dog, cat or ferret into the UK without having to park them in quarantine. You just have to follow a few important rules. A lot of people still think that if they bring their pets with them into the UK they'll have to put them into a quarantine kennel for six months. Old ideas die hard. It's actually much easier, and kinder for pets and their owners, these days.

The Pet Travel Scheme, known as PETS, has been in effect in the UK for more than 15 years. It's a system that permits pet travel to the UK. Dogs, cats and even ferrets can enter or re-enter the UK from  qualified EU countries and non-EU "listed" countries . Listed countries include named non-EU countries in Europe and elsewhere. Pet travel from the USA, Canada, Mexico , Australia and New Zealand are included. 

In a change from the old quarantine regulations, pets that comply with the PETS rules for EU countries can enter the UK without quarantine from almost anywhere in the world. There are just a few exceptions and extra waiting periods.

What pet owners must do

Preparing your animal for pet travel under the PETS scheme is not complicated but you need to plan ahead and get the process in the works well ahead of time - at least four months if you are traveling from outside the EU. Here is what's required:

• Have your pet microchipped - Your vet can carry this out and it is not painful for the animal. It must be done first, before any inoculation. If your dog has been inoculated against rabies before being microchipped, it will have to be done again.
• Rabies vaccination - Have your pet vaccinated against rabies after being microchipped. There is no exemption from this requirement, even if the animal already had been vaccinated.
• Blood test   for pets entering from outside the EU  - After a 30-day waiting period, your vet should test your animal to make sure that the rabies vaccination has succeeded in giving sufficient protection. Dogs and cats entering from and vaccinated within EU or non-EU listed countries do not have to have a blood test.
• The 3-week/3-month rule  The first time your pet is prepared to travel under the PETS system, you must wait three weeks before you can travel and return to the UK if you are coming into the UK from an EU or listed country. The day of the vaccination counts as day 0 and you must wait a further 21 days. If you are traveling to the UK from an unlisted country outside the EU, your pet must have a blood test 30 days after the vaccination (with the vaccination day counting as day 0) and then wait a further three months after the valid blood test before the animal can enter the UK.
• PETS Documents Once your animal has passed all the required waiting periods and has had a valid blood test, if that is required, the vet will issue PETS documentation. In EU countries, this will be an EU PETS Passport. If you are traveling to the UK from a Non-EU country, your vet must complete a Model Third Country Official Veterinary Certificate which you can download from the PETS website.  No other certificate will be accepted. You must also sign a declaration stating that you do not intend to sell or transfer ownership of the animal.
• Tapeworm treatment Just before you enter the UK, your dog must be treated against tapeworm. This must be done not more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering the UK and not less than 24 hours. This treatment must be carried out by a licensed vet every time your pet enters the UK. If your dog does not have this treatment during the required period, it can be refused entry and placed into a 4 month quarantine. Dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway do not have to be treated for tapeworm.

Once you've fulfilled all the requirements, your animal will be free to travel to the UK as long as rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

There are some exceptions. Pets coming to the UK from Jamaica must be prepared for travel under the PETS requirements in a different country, outside Jamaica. Special extra requirements apply to cats coming to the UK from Australia and for dogs and cats arriving from Peninsular Malaysia.

What else should I know?

Only certain carriers are authorized to transport pets under the PETS system. Before you make your travel arrangements, check the list of authorized carriers for air, rail and sea travel to the UK. The authorized routes and transport companies can change or may only operate certain times of year so check before you travel. If you don't arrive via an approved route, your pet may be refused entry and place in the 4-month quarantine.

How to Travel Internationally With Your Pet

How to Travel to Finland With a Dog

How to Travel to Sweden With a Dog

Pet Birds and Air Travel

How to Travel to Denmark With a Dog

Taking a Dog to Norway: Rules and Regulations

What to Know About French Customs Regulations

Traveling with Pets in Germany

Taking a Pet Ferret on an Airplane Flight

Traveling With a Pet to Hawaii

Tips for Traveling With Dogs or Cats to Italy

Eurotunnel - Driving "Le Shuttle" Through the Channel Tunnel

With So Much Red Tape, Are You Sure You Want to Travel With Your Pet?

What You Can & Can't Bring Into Canada

Travel to Mexico With Your Pet

Is Thailand Ready to Reopen Its Borders to Tourists?

• Pet help & advice
• Get involved
• PDSA Pet Store
• Our services
• Choosing a pet
• Looking after your pet
• Pet Health Hub
• PDSA Pet Insurance
• Your pet's symptoms
• Monthly donations
• One-off donations
• Gifts in Wills
• Sponsor our Trauma Care
• Donate in memory
• Goods donation
• Philanthropy
• Payroll Giving
• Other ways to give
• Why we're special
• PDSA Animal Awards
• Get PetWise
• Charity governance
• High profile supporters
• PDSA charity shops
• Meet our pet patients
• Education Centre
• Win with PDSA
• Our campaigns
• Become a Corporate Partner

Brexit: what to do if you travel with pets in Europe

By pdsa | 3 january 2020 #lifestyle, if you regularly travel to the eu from the uk with your four-legged friend there are a few things you’ll need to be aware of..

Brexit has been something of a sensitive issue for a few years now, with a few potential outcomes. As we are now leaving the EU at the end of January, we’ve pulled together various bits of Brexit-related pet advice into a handy guide and are going to try and break down the different possibilities and how it’ll affect travelling with pets in Europe.

So sit tight as we try to cast some light on it all.

Brexit and pets: a brief breakdown

So currently, you can take your cat or dog to the EU with an EU pet passport as long as they are microchipped, have had their rabies vaccination and have been treated for tapeworm (that one’s just for dogs). Sort of simple.

If you are considering travelling to Europe with pets, we'd recommend first going to speak to your vet about it ideally at least four months before you travel.

As the details of Brexit haven't been finalised yet, when it comes to pet travel to the EU, according to the government’s website we’re looking at three possible outcomes:

• A no deal Brexit, in which case we’re likely to be classed as an ‘unlisted’ country.
• A deal resulting in us being classed as a ‘Part 1 listed’ country.
• A deal resulting in us being classed as a ‘Part 2 listed’ country.

Any country not part of the EU is classed as a ‘third country’ and gets one of the above ‘listings’. Still with us? We hope so.

Scenario one: no deal and being ‘unlisted’

For those who travel to the EU with a cat or dog, this is probably the worst-case scenario. If you currently have an EU pet passport that was issued in the UK, it would no longer be valid.

Before your dog or cat can travel, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. Keep in mind that these steps will take a minimum of four months, so you need to make sure you’re ready well in advance of your travels.

To prepare your pet, you’ll need to:

• Get them microchipped (if they aren't already) and vaccinated against rabies.
• Have a blood test at least 30 days after their final rabies vaccination and have this sent to an EU-approved lab.
• If the blood test results show the vaccination has been successful, you’ll need to wait a further three months before travelling.
• If the blood test results show the vaccination hasn't been successful, you’ll need to start the process again.

Once you’ve completed the above, on the day you travel you’ll need to have an animal health certificate (AHC). You'll need to get one of these from your vet within 10 days of travelling. In order to get one, you'll need to provide proof of:

• Your pet’s vaccination history.
• Your pet’s microchip date.
• Your pet’s successful rabies blood test result.
• Tapeworm treatment (this is only for travel to certain countries).

Phew. It’s a long process, so make sure you prepare well in advance. You can read the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency’s full advice on the government’s website.

Scenario two: a deal with ‘listed’ status

If we leave with a deal, there’s a chance we’ll become a ‘listed third country’. This in itself is then split into two possibilities: Part 1 listed and Part 2 listed (we’re getting there). A current EU pet passport will no longer be valid.

Both are fairly similar with small differences, so whatever happens make sure you double check before you start preparing.

The only real difference between Part 1 listed and Part 2 listed is that for Part 1 listed you’ll need to apply for a new UK pet passport, but for Part 2 listed you’ll need to get a new AHC every time you visit the EU with your pet. Otherwise, for both 1 and 2, you’ll need:

• To have your cat or dog microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before you travel.
• Rabies vaccinations to be kept up-to-date.
• Tapeworm treatment for your dog (if needed).

Returning to the UK

According to current government advice, there will be no change to the current system for pets entering the UK from the EU. In order to return to the UK, your pet will need one of the following:

• An EU pet passport (issued in the EU or in the UK before Brexit)
• The AHC issued in the UK you used to travel to the EU (you can use it up to four months after it was issued to return)
• A UK pet health certificate.

Don't forget to check routes before you travel as you can only travel with pets on certain approved routes. Your pet's microchip and documents will be checked when entering England, Scotland or Wales.

Until Brexit happens, the current system in place will carry on. If you’re in the mood to find out more and you’ve not had a Brexit travel overload from all this, visit the government’s website for official advice.

Got more questions? You can contact the government’s pet travel helpline directly by emailing [email protected] or giving them a call on 0370 241 1710.

If you decide not to take your furry friend abroad with you, don't forget to check out our advice on holiday care and boarding for pets.

Pet care tips, news, supporter stories and vet Q&As

You could save a life.

Every day, more pets suffering sickness and injury need our help. Your support means we can keep providing this care to the most vulnerable pets.

Your monthly donation will continue to help pets be free from pain and suffering.

We urgently need your support; please donate today.

LATEST ARTICLES

Meet emily smith - the designer behind our new spring dog range landing in pdsa charity shops this march, by pdsa | 20 march, homemade pet-friendly treats for easter, by pdsa | 18 march, dog muzzle myths busted, by pdsa | 13 march, meet one of our aspiring graduate vets, cian, by pdsa | 11 march, vet q&as  , just for fun, training/behaviour, february 2024, january 2024.

• Skip to main content
• Accessibility help

Information

We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Animal imports and exports: guidance

This guidance applies only to import and export of farm animals and domesticated animals.

The Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme allows pet cats, dogs and ferrets from certain countries to enter the Great Britain (GB) without quarantine provided they meet certain rules. The rules are in place to help keep GB free from rabies and certain other diseases.

Pets travelling to GB from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man are exempt from these rules.  Special temporary measures have also been put in place for people bringing their pets to Great Britain from Ukraine.

You can enter or return to GB with your pet cat, dog or ferret if it:

• has been microchipped
• has a pet passport or third country veterinary health certificate
• has been vaccinated against rabies – it will also need a blood test if you’re travelling from an unlisted country
• dogs are required to have a tapeworm treatment unless they are travelling to GB directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway

If you intend to bring your pet to GB, it’s important to remember:

• the Pet Travel Scheme rules apply to all cats, dogs and ferrets travelling with their owners (including assistance and guide dogs). Your pet can travel with someone else if you’ve authorised it in writing. Your pet must arrive in GB within five days of you (or another person who has written authorisation from you)
• if you are rehoming a pet cat, dog or ferret (i.e. from a pet rescue charity) or purchasing a puppy or kitten from outwith GB - these movements are considered to be commercial and you will have to follow additional rules for  commercial movements
• under the Pet Travel Scheme you cannot bring more than five pets to GB unless the pets are travelling to attend a show or a competition and are aged over six months old. It is necessary to complete a written  declaration  and present written evidence that the pets travelling are registered to attend such an event. If you are  travelling with more than five pets  and you are not attending a show or competition then you will have to follow additional rules for commercial movements
• the rules for bringing your pet cat, dog or ferret into GB will be different depending on the  country the pet is travelling from . Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their pet meets all the rules for entering GB and that its documentation (i.e. pet passport or animal health certificate) is correctly completed. Pets that do not meet the rules may not be allowed to enter the country or may have to be quarantined on arrival at their owners expense.

The current, full pet travel rules  are detailed on the UK government website and should be consulted in advance of making travel arrangements.

Ukraine pet travel

The UK Government has put in place a new process for people bringing their pets to Great Britain from Ukraine. The Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) will provide quick approvals and quarantine arrangements.

People displaced from Ukraine wishing to travel with pets should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at  [email protected]  or call +44 3000 200 301 and select option 2 before they travel.

More information on travelling with pets is available via the  UK Government .

Relevant legislation

The rules for non-commercial pet travel to GB are set out in The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011

The rules for commercial movements are set out in The Trade in Animals and Related Products (Scotland) Regulations 2012 .

The rules for testing animals for rabies are set out in The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022.

Trade in illegally imported cats and dogs

We know that some people are buying and selling dogs and cats that have been imported illegally from abroad. This trade puts the health of the animals, and the general public, at serious risk from diseases including rabies.

The UK has been free from rabies for many years. However rabies is still present in many countries across the world. This is why the UK has importation controls for pet animals. These controls are designed to stop rabies and other exotic diseases from being introduced into the UK.

All dogs and cats must first be microchipped and then vaccinated against rabies before entering the UK. Rabies vaccines are not effective in very young animals and this is why, with effect from the 29 December 2014, the European Commission have introduced a 12 week minimum age for rabies vaccination in pet animals. In addition, all dogs must be treated for the tapeworm (echinococcus multilocularis).

Help to fight the illegal trade in pet animals

The trade in illegally imported pets is driven by consumer demand; you can play a part in fighting this illegal trade in pet animals by following some simple guidelines.

If you are planning to buy a cat/dog or puppy/kitten, we recommend that you seek out as much information as possible about your new pet.

It is equally important whether you are buying a pedigree or a cross bred animal that as a minimum you:

• view the animal and its documentation before you buy - if it was born outside the UK it must have either a pet passport or a third country health certificate
• its documentation needs to confirm the microchip number, that it was vaccinated against rabies at no less than 12 weeks of age and for third country imports, had a subsequent blood test 30 days after vaccination. For dogs, it should also show that it has been treated for tapeworm
• check the animal's history by speaking to a previous owner - if you are buying a puppy or kitten, you should always ask to see it with its mother and the rest of the litter
• never buy a puppy younger than 8 weeks old

In addition you should:

• buy your animal from a reputable supplier - advice on buying a dog or cat is available from a range of organisations, such as the Dog Advisory Council, Scottish Kennel Club, the Dogs Trust and the SSPCA. If you have doubts about an animal speak to your vet before agreeing to buy it

If your new pet is found to be illegally imported and non-compliant with disease control rules, then you may find yourself having to pay for costly quarantine and veterinary bills. If you are unable to meet these costs, this may leave the local authority with no option other than to euthanase (put down) the animal.

Additional advice on buying a puppy is available.

Tel: 0300 244 9874 Address: Animal Health and Welfare, P Spur Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD

Updated Pets.

Added information note to page to indicate it is currently under review and may not reflect the latest position.

Advice on pet travel scheme updated.

There is a problem

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly.

Wellington: 01823 662286

Wiveliscombe: 01984 624422

Taking Pets Abroad From the UK

• January 1, 2021
• Cats , Dogs , Guides , Pets , Travel

When considering any pet travel please check the gov.uk website for the most up to date information contact APHA to discuss any specific questions you have.

Correct as of 31st March 2021. Please note: this guidance is aimed at the non-commercial movement of UK pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) travelling from Great Britain as a Part 2 listed country. There’s different guidance if you’re  bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK . Read the Border Operating Model if you want to export pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland for commercial reasons  such as a change of ownership.

Planning on travelling to the EU with your pet from 2021?

What does this mean for you.

• Unless you’re a UK national living in the EU, your EU pet passports are no longer valid (when leaving Great Britain) from 1st January 2021. Instead, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
• When travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland, your pet (including assistance dogs) needs:

A Microchip

A valid rabies vaccination

An animal health certificate (unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country).

Tapeworm treatment for dogs (if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta).

Main points to remember about getting an AHC

• The earliest date we can complete an AHC is on the 22nd calendar day post rabies vaccination.
• The AHC is a 10-page document which will take a minimum of an hour to complete therefore we advised not booking to travel on the same day as the appointment.
• The AHC cannot be completed any earlier than 10 days before travel.
• To be able to book in for an AHC we need you to complete the below form.
• Up to 5 pets will be able to travel on a single AHC.
• A new AHC will be required for each journey to/from UK (you will be able to travel for 4 months around Europe providing the rabies vaccination does not expire during that time).
• If travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway the tapeworm treatment will need to be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive.
• If planning a day trip only the tapeworm treatment will need to be given and recorded prior to travel as you will be unable to re-enter the UK until 24hours post tapeworm treatment.
• The person who is travelling with the pet must be at the AHC appointment as there is a section that must be signed by both the OV and the person travelling.
• If the owner is not travelling with the dog, we need a signed document from the owner specifying the name of the person who is travelling with the pet.
• An AHC cannot be used if the pet is being sold.

Please note that some countries have additional restrictions and requirements to travel to them. To keep you from scrolling through reams of information, we have provided guidance for the most common circumstances in easy-click tabs below. If your circumstances are not listed below, please give us a call and we will advise you as best we can, given the current information provided by the UK government.

Need to make an appointment?

You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to an  EU country or Northern Ireland.

You can still use a pet passport issued in a (current) EU country.

If you have a pet passport issued in Northern Ireland, contact your vet for advice before travelling.  You can also read about  changes to pet travel on the  NIDirect  website

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

You will need to bring your pet to us within 10 days of your travel date to get an animal health certificate.  There should be no problems issuing you with one, as long as your pet is microchipped and vaccinations up to date.

Your 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 onward travel within the EU
• 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

Your dog will need tapeworm treatment for each trip if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.

Rabies vaccination, boosters and blood tests

You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. Your vet needs proof that your pet’s at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.  

If you’re taking your pet to the EU or Northern Ireland, you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before you travel.  

You must  get your pet microchipped  before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.  

The vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine that’s approved in the country of use.  

Booster vaccinations  

If you’re travelling with your pet, you must get regular rabies booster vaccinations for your pet. Check your  animal health certificate  to find out when the booster vaccination is due.  

You will not need to get repeat vaccinations for repeat trips to the EU or Northern Ireland if your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.  

Rabies vaccination record  

Your pet’s rabies vaccination record in their animal health certificate must show:  

• your pet’s date of birth  
• microchip number, date it was put in or read, and where it is on your pet’s body  
• rabies vaccination date  
• rabies vaccine manufacturer, product name  &  batch number  
• date the rabies vaccination is valid until  
• the vet’s signature and contact details  

Your pet can be stopped from travelling if the details in their animal health certificate are in the wrong place.  

Tapeworm treatment for dogs

A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in the  AHC  if you’re travelling directly to:  

• Northern Ireland  

The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive.  

The treatment must:  

• be approved for use in the country it’s being given in  
• contain praziquantel or an equivalent proven to be effective against the Echinococcus  multilocularis  tapeworm  

Short trips  

If you’re leaving Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for a short trip to visit countries other than Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, you could have your dog treated by a vet before you go.  

You must wait for 24 hours before re-entering Great Britain and return within 120 hours or you’ll need to get another treatment abroad.  

Information your vet needs to record  

Check the vet has put the following details in the ‘Echinococcus treatment’ section of your dog’s pet animal health certificate:  

• the name and manufacturer of the product  
• the date and time they treated your dog  
• their stamp and signature  

You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland unless you’re attending or training for:

• a competition
• a sporting event

You’ll need written evidence of registration for the event when you travel.

All your pets must:

• be attending the event or training
• be over 6 months old
• meet all the other requirements for pet travel to that country

Arriving in an EU country or Northern Ireland

You’ll need to go through a  travellers’ point of entry  when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland.  

You may need to show your pet’s animal health certificate along with proof of their:  

• rabies vaccination
• tapeworm treatment (if required)

Help and support

You can contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) if you’ve got questions or need more information. Alternatively, c ontact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline if you need more information about pet travel.  

Pet Travel Scheme helpline [email protected] Telephone: 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays) Find out about call charges  

There is no change to the current health preparations for pets leaving Great Britain to a non-EU country since becoming a part 2 listed country.

If you’re travelling to a non-EU country, you’ll first need to complete an export health certificate  (EHC), which then needs to be approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), and finally forwarded on to your vet . You’ll also need to complete an export application form (EXA) if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales.  

The  export health certificate  and the export application form for each country and pet will tell you how to apply.  

An EHC checks that your pet meets the health requirements of the country you’re travelling to.  

You must nominate an official vet who will be sent the EHC. They’ll check your pet has met the correct health and identification requirements before you travel.  

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.  

You can contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) if you’ve got questions or need more information.

Animal and Plant Health Agency   [email protected]   Telephone: 03000 200 301   Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm   Find out about call charges  

If you live in Great Britain, your EU pet passport is no longer valid (when leaving Great Britain). An AHC is a document that needs to accompany your pet when travelling without a valid pet passport.

Your pet’s AHC will be valid for:

• 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
• onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
• re-entry to Great Britain for 4 months after the date of issue

Your pet will need a new AHC  for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.  

Your pet will not need a repeat  rabies vaccination  so long as its rabies vaccinations are up to date.  

Your dog will need  tapeworm treatment  for each trip if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.  

The rabies vaccination is required every 3 years under EU law but is recommended annually.

Pets must be 12 weeks old to have the rabies vaccine and you must then wait 21 days before travelling to allow the vaccine to work correctly. This means your pet will be 15 weeks old before it can travel.

Owners of assistance dogs returning from the EU do not have to travel on approved routes but they must notify the point of entry in advance that they are travelling with an assistance dog to ensure the appropriate checks are done.

Click here  to view the approved routes on the government’s website.

Click here to view the approved routes on the government’s website.

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.  

Microchipping for pet travel can only be done by:  

• a vet nurse, student vet or student vet nurse (directed by a vet)  
• someone trained in microchipping before 29 December 2014, and with practical experience  
• someone who has been assessed on an  approved training course  -  contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)  if the course was in Northern Ireland  

Make sure your vet puts the microchip number in your  animal health certificate . The date must be before your pet’s vaccinations.  

Airlines, train and ferry companies in the EU can read microchips that meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.  

You may have to bring your own microchip reader when you travel if your pet’s microchip does not meet ISO standards. You should check with your travel company before you leave.  

If the microchip cannot be read  

You’ll have to do all the preparation again if your vet cannot read the microchip. This means you’ll have to ask your vet to:  

• rechip  your pet  
• revaccinate your pet  
• issue a new animal health certificate if you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland  
• record new microchips in the ‘Marking of animals’ section of the new animal health certificate  

You’ll have to  wait the required time before you can travel  if your pet is revaccinated or has new blood tests.  

If the microchip can only sometimes be read  

Your vet should try to read the microchip. If they get a reading, they can  rechip  your pet (the original chip is not removed).  

This must be recorded in the animal health certificate in the ‘Marking of animals’ section with:  

• the number of the old and new chips  
• the date they were read  
• the date the new chip was inserted  

The vet must sign and stamp the page in the animal health certificate.  

Your vet should record in the ‘Others’ section of the animal health certificate that your pet has been  rechipped .  

You do not need to have your pet microchipped if it’s been tattooed with an identification number and all of the following are true:  

• you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland  
• your pet was tattooed on or before 3 July 2011  
• the tattoo is clearly legible  
• your pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed  

Your vet must record the date of tattooing, the tattoo number and the date of the rabies vaccination in the animal health certificate.  

We are qualified official veterinarians (OVs)...

Please call: 01823 662286.

References:

• https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
• https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/file_import/travelling_en_6.pdf

Continue reading...

Rabbit Awareness Week 2023

What is RAW? Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) is about mentoring people with rabbits, or those who would like them, about

FREE New Puppy or Kitten Checklist | Tips for First 6 Months

FREE New Puppy and Kitten Checklist Download your free copy of your new puppy or kitten’s first six-month checklist. Keep

Traveling with Pets

CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This suspension includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months. Learn about the current rules: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

Photo Credit: Audilis Sanchez, CDC

Taking your dog or cat on a flight abroad? Make sure you have your pet’s documents when traveling internationally and returning home to the United States. Leave yourself plenty of time before the trip to take care of your pet’s required medical care and paperwork. Remember to start the process early.

First Stop—Your Vet’s Office

If you are traveling internationally, tell your veterinarian about your plans as soon as possible. Together, you can make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel and meets the requirements for your destination country  and for your return to the United States. Requirements may include

• Blood tests
• Vaccinations
• Microchips for identification
• Health certificates

Airlines and countries often have different requirements, so make sure you know what the specific ones are.

Research How to Fly with Your Pet

Talk to your vet about your travel plans and your dog’s rabies vaccination. Photo credit: David Heaberlin, CDC

Give yourself plenty of time to do your homework before your trip. A great place to start is the Pet Travel website  of the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Different airlines have different rules about whether and how a pet can travel. Depending on the airline, your pet may be able to travel on your flight either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Confirm this ahead of time with your airline.

On airlines that allow pets to travel, only small dogs and cats that can fit in special carriers under the seat are allowed in the cabin. Their owners must care for them during any layovers. Some airlines may not allow them in the cabin and will transport them as cargo in a heated and ventilated hold. Cats and dogs may travel and rest better this way, since it is quieter and darker, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Research how to fly with your pet. Photo credit: Misty Ellis, CDC

Another way for your pet to travel is on a separate flight as an air cargo shipment. If this is your preference, or a requirement based on your dog’s size or the destination country’s rules, then get your pet used to the shipping kennel ahead of time. Make sure the door latches securely to avoid any mishaps in transit. Ask your veterinarian for advice about when to give food and water. If a pet is traveling as an air cargo shipment , you must make arrangements for pickup at the final destination.

Some US carriers don’t allow pets to be shipped between May and September, the hottest months for animals to travel in the Northern Hemisphere.  No matter what time of year, safety is always a concern when pets travel by airplane. If absolutely necessary for a dog or cat to travel in cargo, it must be in a sturdy container with enough room to stand and sit, to turn around normally while standing, and to lie down in a natural position. For more information, visit the US Department of Agriculture pet travel website .

When waiting for a connecting flight, you may have to care for a pet traveling with you in the cabin, while the airline staff or ground handlers care for a pet traveling in cargo. Check with your airline(s) beforehand to see what is required.

Consider Your Pet’s Comfort

Consider your pet’s comfort when traveling. Photo credit: Misty Ellis, CDC

Loading and unloading can be the most stressful part of travel for animals. Consider these tips:

• Get your pet used to its carrier before the flight.
• Purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers.
• Pick departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold. For example, planning a nighttime arrival to a hot destination may be better for your pet.
• Consult with your veterinarian. The International Air Transport Association discourages the use of sedatives or tranquilizers because they could harm animals while in flight.
• Walk your pet before leaving home and again before checking in.
• If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible to reduce stress.
• If your pet will be transported as cargo, check in early so it can go to the quiet and dimly lit hold of the plane.

Cruise Ships and Travel by Sea

Different cruise ships have different rules about whether a pet or service animal can travel with you and what documents they require. Confirm this ahead of time with your cruise ship. If you travel with your pets internationally on a cruise ship or other maritime vessel, you will be required to meet federal entry requirements to enter or re-enter the United States with your pets. Note that CDC has temporarily suspended the importation of dogs arriving from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies , including dogs that have visited a high-risk country in the past 6 months.

Requirements for Dogs Leaving the United States

CDC does not have requirements for dogs leaving the United States. However, if you plan to return to the United States with your dog, the dog will be required to meet the same entry requirements as dogs arriving from foreign countries (see below). If you plan to take your dog to a country at high risk for dog rabies , be sure to review the importation requirements  before leaving the United States, because your dog may not be allowed to return to the United States due to the current temporary suspension , which applies to dogs that live in the United States and have traveled to high-risk countries, even if only for a short visit.

Visit the US Department of Agriculture  website for pet entry requirements in foreign countries.

Requirements for Dogs Arriving in the United States

Meet the requirements for dogs entering the United States. Photo credit: Derek Sakris, CDC

Whether returning or coming to the United States, all dogs must appear healthy . There is a temporary suspension   for dogs imported from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies .

Some states may require vaccinations and health certificates. Check with your destination state’s health department  before you leave on your trip.

Some airlines, cities, or states restrict certain breeds, so be sure to check before you travel.

The US Department of Agriculture  has additional restrictions for some dogs arriving in the United States, such as working dogs and dogs intended for resale or adoption.

Requirements for Cats Arriving in the United States

Cats aren’t required by CDC to have a rabies vaccination certificate to enter the United States. However, most states and many other countries require them for cats, and CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated against rabies. Be sure to check your destination’s requirements and ask your veterinarian before traveling.

Other kinds of pets

If your pet is not a cat or dog, there may be different requirements. Some animals , such as primates (monkeys and apes) or African rodents , won’t be allowed back into the United States. Even if they originally came from the United States, they can’t be brought back here as pets.

With careful planning, your pet can stay healthy and safe while traveling. Photo credit: Audilis Sanchez, CDC

Illness or Death of a Pet During Travel

Despite all precautions, pets sometimes get sick or even die on an airplane. Public health officials are required to make sure an animal didn’t die of a disease that can spread to people. They may have to do an animal autopsy or conduct other tests, at your cost, to figure out the cause of death. The animal’s remains often cannot be returned to you after this testing.

Think of Different Options

Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel by air. If you have any doubts, consider leaving your pet with a trusted friend, family member, or boarding kennel during your trip, or taking another mode of transportation.

With careful planning, your pet will arrive both at its destination and return home healthy and safe.

• Information on Dog Importation for US Rescues, Shelters, and Adoption Agencies
• Information on Dog Importation for US Veterinary Clinics
• International Air Transport Association- Traveler’s Pet Corner
• Animal Transportation Association
• International Pet and Animal Transportation Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• National Agricultural Library
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Department of Transportation 
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website
• Travelers' Health
• Healthy Pets Healthy People
• Southern Border Health and Migration
• Port Health
• Division of Global Migration Health

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. Non-essential cookies are also used to tailor and improve services. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.

Pet Travel Scheme requirements for animals entering the UK from unlisted countries

What you must do to bring your pet dog, cat or ferret into the UK from unlisted non-EU countries.

• Animal exports (Sub-topic)

Microchip your pet

The first step is to properly identify  your pet using a microchip.The microchip must be inserted by a qualified person.  A qualified person can be:

• a veterinary surgeon, nurse or student.
• someone who attended a microchipping course, with a practical element, before 29 December 2014
• someone who attended an approved microchipping course. (Approved by Welsh Government, Scottish Government or Defra)

Vaccinate your pet

Once the microchip has been fitted, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination. The minimum age for vaccination against rabies for the purposes of pet travel is 12 weeks. The minimum age for vaccination against rabies for the purposes of pet travel is 12 weeks. The length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is 21 days after the vaccination date. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21 day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination. So, pets are not able to travel until they are at least 15 weeks old.

Arrange a blood test

A blood test will confirm if the vaccine has given a satisfactory level of protection against rabies. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination. You cannot enter the UK until three months after the date your vet took a satisfactory blood sample.

Get pet travel documentation

You will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate.

Treat your dog for tapeworm

Before entering the UK, a vet must treat your dog (including assistance dogs) for tapeworm. The treatment must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in the UK.

NB. You do not need to treat your dog for tapeworm if you are travelling to the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway).

Arrange approved travel for your pet

Your pet must enter the UK from an unlisted country:

• travelling with an approved transport company
• on an authorised route

First published

Last updated, share this page.

• Share this page via Twitter
• Share this page via Facebook
• Share this page via Email

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Choose the service you want to log in to:

Update your notification preferences

Access government services

Clear goods through customs or claim relief

View or update your States of Jersey job application

Bringing your dog, cat or ferret to Jersey from the EU or the rest of the world

Travelling between jersey and the uk, isle of man and other channel islands, if you're travelling with your dog, cat or ferret between jersey and the uk, isle of man and other channel islands, there are different requirements for you to follow. , check requirements between jersey and the uk, isle of man and other channel islands, entry requirements into jersey.

When you bring a pet to live or travel to Jersey from the EU or the rest of the world (not including the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) the entry requirements depend on the country your pet comes from.

There are 3 types of classification:

• Part 1 listed countries
• Part 2 listed countries
• not listed countries

Listed and not listed countries on GOV.UK

Your pet dog, cat or ferret can enter Jersey with either a valid:

• pet passport or an animal health certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain, Channel Islands or Isle of Man or a UK pet passport, if travelling from Part 1 listed countries
• Great Britain pet health certificate, EU or UK pet passport, if travelling from Part 2 listed countries or not listed countries

If your pet is travelling abroad, see the requirements on taking your dog, cat or ferret from Jersey to the EU or the rest of the world .

Your pet should be healthy and fit for any travel journey. Find guidance and information on  your pet's welfare while travelling .

Pets coming from a listed Part 1 or Part 2 country

Your pet can come directly to Jersey from a Part 1 and 2 listed country only if it:

• has a microchip (unless your pet has a tattooed identification )
• is vaccinated against rabies
• has been vaccinated after it was microchipped
• was at least 12 weeks old at the time of its rabies vaccination
• was vaccinated at least 21 days before travelling
• has a valid entry document (pet passport (EU and Part 1 listed countries only), Animal Health Certificate or Great Britain pet health certificate)
• has been treated for tapeworm 1 to 5 days before its scheduled arrival (dogs only, see dogs tapeworm treatment )
• travels to Jersey with an  approved carrier
• travels with or within 5 days of its owner who is named in and has signed the pet passport. If its owner is travelling within 5 days of the pet, proof of movement may be requested such as flight or ferry booking confirmation. If the pet is not travelling with its owner, the owner needs to authorise the person transporting the pet. These documents should accompany the pet

If your pet is not travelling with or within 5 days of its owner, you need to follow the additional requirements for  commercial movements to Jersey from the EU or the rest of the world .

You need to fill in a non-commercial declaration confirming that you're not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet.

There are additional requirements if you're  bringing a pet to live in Jersey .

Additional requirements for not listed countries

If your pet is coming from a not listed country, it must meet the entry requirements for Part 1 and 2 countries and have a rabies antibody titration test:

• taken at least 30 days after your pet was vaccinated against rabies
• taken at least 3 months prior to travelling into Jersey
• passed (your vet will tell you) 

Before your pet comes back from the not listed country, it doesn't have to complete the 3 months waiting period if:

• it had a rabies antibody titration test before leaving for the not listed country
• the test result was successful
• the successful test result was entered into its UK pet passport by a vet before leaving for the unlisted country

If your pet does not have a pet passport, you need a British export health certificate issued by the country of origin. You'll need the serology report to prove your pet's successful rabies antibody titration test was carried out before you left for the unlisted country. A certified copy of the official serology report, containing the successful test, needs to be attached to your pet's British export health certificate.

A valid pet passport issued in the EU is also accepted.

Additional requirements for cats from Australia

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

Additional requirements for 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 Jersey from Peninsular Malaysia. The certificate must show your pet has:

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

EU pet passports

If you get your pet an EU pet passport your vet in the EU must issue the passport correctly. If they do not issue the passport correctly it can cause delays when you travel to Jersey with your pet.

The guidance on EU pet passports will help your vet complete the passport.

They must make sure they enter the correct date for the implantation or reading of your pet's microchip.

Find more details to support the guidance on the requirements from the EU Regulation 576/2013 for anti-rabies vaccinations.

Tattooed identification

Your pet doesn't have to be microchipped if it's been tattooed with an identification number and:

• the tattoo was done on or before 3 July 2011
• the tattoo is clearly readable
• your pet was vaccinated against rabies after being tattooed

Your vet must also record in your pet's passport or health certificate the:

• date of tattooing
• tattoo number
• date of the rabies vaccination

Dogs tapeworm treatment

Before it travels to Jersey your dog must be treated for tapeworm within 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) of its scheduled arrival. Your vet must record the treatment in either your dog's:

• Animal Health Certificate
• Pet Passport
• Great Britain Pet Health Certificate
• UK Pet Passport

Your dog doesn't need a tapeworm treatment if travelling to Jersey directly from:

• Republic of Ireland

If you're travelling to Jersey and go to the EU for a short period, your dog may be treated for tapeworm on Island before you leave to meet the re-entry requirements. The Jersey vet must record the treatment in your dog's travel document.

Information your vet needs to record

You must make sure that the vet has put the following details in the 'Echinococcus treatment' section of your dog's pet passport or health certificate:

• the name and manufacturer of the product
• the date and time your dog was treated (using the 24-hour clock)
• the vet's stamp and signature

Booster vaccinations

You must get regular booster vaccinations for your pet. Check your pet passport or health certificate to find out when the booster vaccination is due.

If you miss the booster and you're travelling from a not listed country, your pet will need to be vaccinated and blood tested again. You'll also have to wait for 3 months before travelling.

Approved carriers and routes

You can only bring pets to Jersey using approved air or sea carriers and routes.

Your pet cannot enter Jersey on a private aircraft or boat. You will not be able to land and your dog will having to be kept below deck at all times so it cannot escape. The harbour authorities may also require you to isolate your boat.

Customs, duty free and animals on Jersey Marinas website

If you're travelling from the Republic of Ireland you don't have to use an approved carrier and you can bring your pet on a private boat.

If you're a company interested in transporting pets see  requirements for air or sea carriers transporting pets .

Microchip failures

If your pet's microchip fails and can't be read, your pet must:

• be re-chipped
• be re-vaccinated for rabies
• have blood tests taken (only if travelling from a not listed country)
• have a new travel document issued
• have the record of the old and new microchips in the Marking of animals section of its new pet passport

You won't be able to travel with your pet until 21 days after the rabies vaccination in the case of pets from a listed country.

This preparation must be carried out in the country where the pet is in when the microchip fails.

Pets that fail the arrival checks

If your pet fails our arrival checks it'll be refused entry into Jersey. You'll be advised to contact a vet.

If your pet has already arrived in Jersey, it may be held in quarantine until it meets requirements or exported out of Jersey.

All costs are at the owners' expense.

Travelling with more than 5 pets

If you travel to Jersey with more than 5 pets to attend a competition, show, sporting event, or training for such event, you need:

• a written evidence of registration for the event
• all your pets to be over 6 months old
• all your pets to be attending the event
• to meet the pet travel rules of the country you'll be entering

You must complete the declaration form confirming you're not going to sell or rehome your pets. This form does not need to be completed if you're travelling with 5 pets or less.

If you travel with more than 5 pets for other reasons, see commercial pet movements to Jersey from the EU or the rest of the world .

Travelling with assistance dogs

You can bring your assistance dog to Jersey if it's been trained by organisations members of  Assistance Dogs International  or  International Guide Dog Federation .

Your dog must meet the entry requirements for pets above.

Your dog may travel with an approved or any commercial carrier. The person responsible for the dog must give the carrier at least 48 hours notice before travelling. The carrier must notify us at least 36 hours before arrival.

You must  email the States Veterinary Officer  a copy of the pet passport or certificate before your arrival to Jersey or send by post and include a contact telephone number.

We will check your dog's documentation and advise if you can travel.  Your dog will be checked on arrival and we will scan your dog's microchip to check it matches the documentation.

Guide Dogs website

Bringing a pet to live in Jersey

If you're bringing your pet to live in Jersey it will be considered an import. You'll need to:

• meet the  entry requirements into Jersey
• declare your import and pay GST (if applicable)
• apply for a dog licence (dogs only)

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

You may need to pay GST if the total import cost exceeds the personal allowance. This includes the cost of:

If your pet is free, for example a rescue dog or cat, you'll need to provide customs a valuation for GST purposes. If your pet is a mixed breed you should research the value with a similar breed. For more information  email Jersey Customs and Immigration Service  or call  +44 (0) 1534 448000 .

Importing unaccompanied personal goods and paying customs duties

Dog licences

All dogs living in Jersey aged 6 months or older must be licensed under the  Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961 . You can purchase dog licences from your parish.

You don't need a dog licence for a dog kept and used solely as a guide dog by a blind or a deaf person.

Buying a dog licence

Dogs not allowed in Jersey

It's illegal to bring certain types of dogs into Jersey. Your dog may be seized if it displays characteristics represented by those on the banned list.

Pet travel guidance in other languages

In these documents non-approved countries have the same meaning as unlisted countries.

• Digital Jersey
• Jersey Business
• Jersey Finance
• Jersey Sport
• Locate Jersey
• States Assembly
• Visit Jersey

What are you looking for?

Travelling with pets, bringing accompanied pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) from the eu to great britain, taking pets living in great britain from great britain to the eu or northern ireland.

A pet passport issued in the EU will be recognised.

Your pet must meet the following requirements upon entry. It is important to note the order:

• Every animal must have a microchip.
• Rabies vaccination: the first vaccination must have taken place at least 21 days before entry, regular booster vaccinations are recognised as long as they have taken place at the required intervals
• For dogs: tapeworm treatment no less than 24 hours and no earlier than 120 hours (5 days) before entry
• All steps must be entered in an EU pet passport

This also applies if an EU resident wishes to take their pet on holiday with them to Great Britain. When returning to the EU , the pet passport issued in the EU is all that is required. In other words, a separate Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain is not required when returning to the EU .

For further information please refer to the website of the British Government .

As of 1 January 2021, EU pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer recognised.

Your pet must meet the following requirements upon entry:

• Every animal must have a microchip
• The animal must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated. A recognised vet must issue a Health certificate (AHC) no more than 10 days before entry. The AHC is valid for 4 months, including for re-entry before it expires.
• Top of page

How to Travel with a Dog to the UK from Outside Europe

If you’re travelling to the United Kingdom with your dog, it’s far more difficult than travelling with a dog to other countries in Europe. This is because pet dogs flying into the UK can only fly as cargo. For this reason, whether you’re trying to fly a dog from the USA to the UK or from somewhere else in the world, you may want to consider some of the alternatives. 

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer .

Can You Fly to the UK with a Dog?

Dogs are able to fly to the United Kingdom , but dogs are not able to fly into the UK in the cabin or as check-in baggage. The UK government only permits pet dogs to fly to the UK as cargo, using an approved carrier  to an approved airport. 

For many owners of small dogs who understandably only fly their dog in the cabin, at their feet, this poses a difficulty. But even if your dog normally flies in the hold as excess baggage, in comparison flying a dog as cargo is a more complicated and expensive process.  

When flying as cargo, dogs usually need to be booked through the separate cargo division of the airline, or a completely separate freight company, sometimes through a pet transport company . The cost to fly a dog as cargo is often quite expensive, far more than the cost of flying a dog in the cabin or as excess baggage. 

Additionally, when you fly to the UK with a dog from outside the UK, your dog will need to pass through customs clearance before you can collect it from the animal reception centre. You’ll need to make a booking for this, possibly through a agent (or broker), if this isn’t take care of by your pet transport company or freight company. Send an email to the National Clearance Hub ( [email protected] ) for more information.

During 2022, there were at times long delays for available slots at some UK airports, although I believe the situation has improved in 2023.

Naturally, customs clearance isn’t free of charge. Expect the fees including agent fees and inspection fees to total up to £600. You will also be charged a value added tax of 20%, based on your pet’s breed and the cost of their transport, although this can later be refunded. These charges don’t apply for dogs crossing to the UK by ferry or car.

The cost of shipping a dog from USA to UK can be quite expensive when a dog flies directly to the UK. Along with cargo freight costs, many pets flying from the US are quoted a total cost of $3000 to $5000 USD.  

Consider Flying to Paris or Amsterdam Airports

Instead of directly flying to the UK with your dog, instead consider flying to another airport within Europe, then travel by another option across the Channel, to travel with your dog to the UK.  

The most popular alternative airports to fly into within Europe with your dog are Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam . As well as being busy airports with a large number of flights arriving from all around the world, both of these airports allow you to arrive with a dog in the cabin (or as checked baggage). 

Additionally, there are feasible options to then travel onwards to the UK with your dog as a “foot passenger”, without hiring a car. (With cars driving on the opposite side of the road in the UK compared to Continental Europe, forget about a one-way car hire to head to the UK!) 

Check out my guide on flying to France from the USA with a dog

Taking a Ferry Across to the UK

Once you arrive in Paris or Amsterdam, there are multiple ferry options available to foot passengers with a dog to take you to the UK.  

Taking a Ferry from France to the UK

From Paris, foot passengers with a dog are permitted on the DFDS Seaways ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven, on the southern coast of England. The ferry crossing takes about 4 hours, but once you add on the train journeys at either end the journey from Paris to London takes a full day. Read my review of completing this journey when I visited the UK.  

Note that the other ferries between France and England do not permit foot passengers to bring pets onboard. 

Taking a Ferry from the Netherlands to the UK

Finally, foot passengers can also bring a pet onboard the P&O ferry from Rotterdam to Hull. This ferry has recently added three pet-friendly cabins, in addition to their pet kennels. It even has pet exercise areas at both ferry terminals. It generally operates as an overnight crossing. Click here for further information. 

A short train journey is required from the airport to any of the relevant ferry terminals in the Netherlands. Pets are allowed on trains in the Netherlands .

Using a Pet Taxi or Pet Transport Service

Instead of taking a ferry across to the UK with your dog, you could instead consider using a pet taxi or a pet transport service. These options are particularly popular for pets arriving in Paris. 

With pet taxis, there are multiple providers that take advantage of pets being allowed in vehicles using the Eurotunnel, one of the quickest and easiest ways to travel with a pet in between the UK and France, as long as you have a vehicle. 

Most frequently, people travelling with a dog just take a pet taxi between Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun and Folkestone Central stations. On either end, simply travel by train on the dog-friendly trains in France and the UK . The pet taxi typically costs about £100-200, on top of the normal Eurotunnel fees. 

However, it’s also possible to book a pet taxi for the entire trip from Paris to London, or another destination, at a higher cost. I’ve typically heard of fees around £700 for taxi all the way from Paris to London, although it can be higher due to the fluctuating cost of the Eurotunnel.

Two frequently used pet taxis are  Folkestone Taxis (also known as Pet Travel Abroad) and  Pet Moves . A newer option is Le Pet Express , which offers shared minivans, but only on weekends at this point.  

There are also some companies that are specifically set up to transport dogs longer distances between European countries and the UK. These companies can pick your pet up from Charles de Gaulle or Schiphol Airports and transport your pet to your address in the UK, while you fly to the UK or take the non-dog-friendly Eurostar to London.

One DEFRA-certified company that I have heard a lot of happy reports about is Happy Saluki Pet Transport .

Or Fly to Dublin Airport

Another increasingly popular alternative to flying to Continental Europe, is to instead fly to Dublin Airport firstly with your dog. Depending on your final destination in the UK, this can make for a shorter journey, particularly as the ferry trip across the Irish Sea is shorter.

Quite a few airlines don’t fly pets to and from Dublin in the cabin, despite there being no prohibition against this, but I have put together a list of airlines that fly pets in and out of Ireland . One American airline is included on the list – Delta.

Delta will fly pets in the cabin to and from Dublin Airport from a number of airports in the USA. Just note that pets cannot be flown out of Dublin as excess baggage as of 2023, due to an issue with the baggage system.

NOTE: As of early January 2024, Delta has added Ireland to the list of destinations it doesn’t fly dogs to or from. I will monitor this situation and see if this is a permanent change.

From Dublin, there are a number of ferries that cross to Wales, some with pet-friendly cabins. Alternatively, it’s possible to cross the land border to Northern Ireland, with no pet documentation checks occurring at the border. You can then take a ferry across to Scotland. Check out my guide to the most pet-friendly ferries across the Irish Sea .

What About a Cruise Ship Across the Atlantic?

Another alternative if you’re bringing a dog from the US to the UK, may be to book a crossing on the Queen Mary 2 across the Atlantic, disembarking at Southampton in England. This is particularly popular with owners of larger dogs, that are too large to fly in the cabin on any airline. The Queen Mary 2 is one of the few dog-friendly cruise ships . 

However, keep in mind that there a lot of demand for the pet kennels onboard the Queen Mary 2, so the kennels are typically booked out a year or more in advance! (As of early 2023, I have even heard reports of up to two years.) However, it’s possible to put your name down on a waiting list, in case a berth becomes available sooner. 

Paperwork for Travelling to the UK with Your Dog

Due to the United Kingdom leaving the EU following Brexit, the rules and paperwork for importing dogs to the UK have changed. The main change is that pets travelling to Great Britain require a Great Britain pet health certificate , rather than the EU pet health certificate (Annex IV).

The remainder of the rules for importing dogs to the United Kingdom are essentially the same as for pets travelling to anywhere in the EU . Pets are required to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

Additionally, the UK is one of the few countries in Europe requiring a worming treatment for dogs, administered by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days of arrival in the UK, with no change to this requirement. All of this needs to be documented in a pet passport or Great Britain pet health certificate.

If you are using a Great Britain pet health certificate that needs to be certified by the local authority, such as USDA in the United States, the worming treatment can be added to the certificate once it has been certified and returned to you.

For more details on bringing a pet to the UK, see the government website .

Requirement for Two Pet Health Certificates

If you’re firstly travelling to the EU (including Ireland) and then onwards to the UK, things will be a little more complicated. You need to make sure you fulfill the requirements for your pet to travel both to the EU and to the UK.

In particular, you will need two pet health certificates, both an EU and GB pet health certificate. There are some reports of vets and governments in some countries refusing to issue two pet health certificates at the same time, although hopefully this becomes more accepted.

Getting an EU Pet Passport

One alternative if you cannot be issued two pet health certificates, is to just get an EU pet health certificate. Then when you are transiting through Europe, go to the vet and get an EU pet passport . This pet passport is used for pets to travel within the EU, and can be used in future to travel from the UK back to the EU.

To get an EU pet passport, you will need to allow time to visit a vet, before continuing on to the UK. At the same time have your pet wormed, at least 24 hours before entering the UK, and recorded in the pet passport. This may also be a practical alternative if you’d like to spend some time in the EU before completing your journey, and your dog cannot be wormed beforehand, due to the short time frame of validity.

It’s best to book an appointment with a vet in advance, and ensure they will issue you an EU pet passport. In particular, there are recent reports of vets in France no longer issuing EU pet passports to those without a locally registered dog.

Note that not all veterinarians will copy across your existing rabies vaccination (I’ve generally heard of this occurring in Germany) or that UK customs may question a rabies vaccination predating the pet passport, as was the case when I boarded my ferry to the UK. Either keep all your different paperwork as proof or consider getting a rabies booster shot in the EU, to be recorded on your EU pet passport.  

The other alternative is to ask a vet in the EU to issue you with a GB pet health certificate, but this is not common within the EU, due to the usage of pet passports.

What About When Leaving the UK?

While there are no restrictions on pets flying in the cabin or as checked baggage when leaving the UK, only a few airlines offer this option . A few airlines specify on their website that they offer this option, while I have heard reports from fellow travellers of other airlines allowing this. Double check with your preferred airline, and consider crossing back over to Paris or Amsterdam to fly your pet out of Europe with more options. 

I have checked with a number of American airlines, and none of them state online that they will fly dogs in the cabin when leaving the UK. American Airlines doesn’t fly pets in the cabin on any trans-Atlantic flights, while both Delta and United rule out pets in the cabin on flights both to and from the UK. However, I have heard a recent report of United allowing this.

An alternative option for flying from the UK to the USA with a dog in the cabin is to fly via Canada, as it’s possible to fly a dog from the UK to Canada. On the Air Canada website they specifically mention that they accept pets for travel both in the cabin and in the hold on flights from the UK. Air Transat also allow pets to fly out of the UK, out of Manchester and Glasgow, but not Gatwick Airport in London.

You May Also Like

• How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe
• Which European Airlines Allow Dogs in the Cabin?
• Which Asian Airlines Allow Dogs in the Cabin?
• Travelling in the United Kingdom with a Dog

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

Inspired? Pin this to your Pinterest board!

23 thoughts on “How to Travel with a Dog to the UK from Outside Europe”

Hi i d like to fly with my pet from miami to UK how could i do this? Maybe i could send him alone , i suppose that it s more expensive but if i dont have the choice😏thank you for helping me Patricia maizil

Your dog would be able to fly to the UK directly in cargo. However, if you want to fly your dog in the cabin, many travelers instead fly to France or the Netherlands.

By any chance do you know how it would be to travel from France to UK using the train?

Sorry, only registered service dogs are allowed on the Eurostar train, not pet dogs.

Hi Shandos – Thank you for this informative post. I am making plans to fly to the UK from NYC in January. I have a 10 pound dog and planned to travel in cabin with her until I was surprised by the new rules. Traveling Cargo is a time consuming and confusing process. At this point the cost for British Airways – through IAG Cargo — is $800 to ship her there. Added to this will be the cost for an England Cargo company, James Cargo to pick her up and take her through customs, add to that the VAT and the cost will be upwards of 2k. Ugh. So, after a long winded rant, some of your ideas are percolating with me though I just want to be clear. Based on what you said this is what I am thinking: – fly into Amsterdam or Paris, dog in cabin – hire a pet taxi to drive my dog to London – I take Eurostar and meet them there – When I go through customs with my dog in tow in Eurozone, will they ask for the Pet Certificate at that time? Should I compile two pet certificates while in the USA. One for UK and one for Europe? – Will my dog have to go through Customs when it arrives in UK with Pet Taxi? Complicated stuff I know but the possible option of not using Cargo, both because of cost and because I’m nervous about its effect on my dog, sounds so good to me. Thanks so much!!

You’ll need to have two pet certificates done, both the EU one and the new GB one ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-apply-for-a-gb-pet-health-certificate ). With the EU one, generally the airline checks it at check-in. Most people report customs in Paris as not checking it, but they might. With the UK, the GB certificate will be checked by UK customs before getting on the Eurotunnel or ferry. If you are leaning towards a pet taxi, generally they can transport you as well, you don’t need to take the Eurostar separately. Hope this helps! It would be great if dogs could fly in the cabin to the UK, instead Brexit has complicated things further!

I flew out of the UK (in Aug)with KLM and they told me that I could also do that with Delta and Air France as they are all under the same umbrella. It gets so confusing and with Covid on top, it’s overwhelming. I’ve traveled for over 40+ yrs and this is unreal.

Thanks for the heads up April! It’s pretty crazy at the moment with Covid, hopefully things start to return to normal in 2022.

There’s also a new company out there, http://www.lepetexpress.com . They take you and your dog or cat from Calais Frethun Rail Station and drop you off at the rail station in the UK at set times. £150! They also go UK to France.

Thanks for the heads up!

Hi, I was wondering if this route through Europe is still a good option? I am planning to do it with my cat from Korea in May, but I heard from some people that it might be risky now. They interpret the rule to mean that my paperwork from Korea would not be accepted because I am technically coming from France so I will need a pet passport, however, I have seen others say that if I have all the correct paperwork everything will be fine and I can enter without a pet passport. I was told that to get a pet passport in France I would need to get him vaccinated again and then I would have to stay in the country for a month for the vaccine to be valid. I am really desperately trying to find other people who have been doing this route within the last few months successfully, or advice on how I can be successful doing it, otherwise I will have to pay over £2000 to have him shipped via manifest cargo. Thank you for any advice you can give me.

I’ve definitely heard from others that use paperwork from outside of Europe. The most common issue seems to be that some overseas countries won’t complete/certify two sets of pet certificates (for EU and UK). I recommend joining my FB group to speak to others who have done this recently: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw

Air Canada is good for pets in cabin out of the UK . To return… Air France to Paris, domestic train to Dieppe. Pet can go with you as a foot passenger on Dieppe to Newhaven ferry (warning Dover Calais ferries and eurostar trains do NOT allow this). Pet and documentation are checked in Newhaven then you’re free to travel on all domestic trains in the UK with your pet.

I’m traveling to the USA from the UK via amsterdam. I have time to get a EU passport on the way over to the USA but not on the way back. So do you know how that would work with coming back to the uk? Would I get the vet in the USA (who is administering the tapeworm treatment) to document it on the GB health certificate or the EU pet passport?

Vets outside of the EU cannot document rabies vaccines in the EU pet passport, but it’s not 100% clear they can add worming treatments to it. To be safe, it’s probably better for it to be documented in a health certificate. Additionally, note that an Animal Health Certificate issued in Great Britain can be used to return to Great Britain for up to 4 months.

Did you have to complete paperwork for Customs or a Transfer of Residence form?

I am coming home to the UK with my adopted cat but i read you have to get clearance from customs?

If you are flying directly to the UK from outside of Europe with your pet, customs clearance is required. For more information, see this page https://animalaircare.co.uk/customs-clearance/ . I only have personal experience at travelling to the UK from continental Europe, where this is not required, just the health certificates and worming treatment.

Only by sheer luck have I found your blog. And that too at such a good time! Me and my sister are moving to the UK in the near future and we can’t go without our cats. Two of them. But it is so unfortunate that I can’t take them in cabin and have to make use of a pet transportation company. The cost goes way above and beyond our budget. But then I read something about going to the UK through Europe. You also say its possible. Now I don’t know if this sounds dumb, but if I use the Europe route, I’d travel to Paris, for example, on a tourist visa, yes? I’ll be relocating to the UK on a student visa, and possibly then on a work visa. So, if I decide to go through France, I’d first need a French travel Visa, no? Do I sound dumb? Ahhh, but I really need someone to confirm this for me! This whole process of taking my cats to the UK has been so stressful. I can’t take them as manifest cargo; my budget simply doesn’t allow it. Can you please breakdown the process of taking them through Europe? I don’t live in the US either. I’ll be travelling from India. Then I’m also unsure of how I’ll take to Calais from Paris with all of my luggage. From there, I checked out the Le Pet Shuttle, but they only allow one baggage and one personal handbag per person. Its concerning cause I’ll have 2 baggies on my student ticket. 😖 I really didn’t mean to dump all of my problems on you! But I’d be forever grateful if you could suggest something that you think can work for me and my cats. I’ll be forever grateful. Have a good day!

Ruhi – I’m not sure about the visa situation, I guess you’ll need a tourist visa. Some countries offer transit visas, but I don’t think this applies in the Schengen zone. Consider you’ll have a lot of luggage, it will probably be best to organise your own pet taxi, rather than a shared vehicle and using the trains and ferries. One option I’ve heard lots of good feedback lately is Happy Saluki ( https://www.happy-saluki.com ) – John the owner also knows everything inside out.

Great page; thank you! So glad to know that someone has already tried, tested and even written about what has been going through my head! Thank you! I’m keen on the “Paris flight arrival – train to Dieppe ferry” option to enter UK. My questions are practical ones with regard to the travel cage, as we have a large dog. I’m sure we wont be able to lift the cage with the dog in it, so, when we go on the train, is the dog allowed out of the travel cage and onto the train? Does the cage have to go into a separate baggage section or does it all stay togther on the train? The same questions apply for the ferry… (I’m also thinking it may be a good idea to add stoppable wheels to the cage) Many thanks

On the trains in France, it’s best for larger dogs to travel outside of a travel cage, just on a leash and wearing a muzzle. More information about pets on trains in France can be found here: https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/en/travel-with-us/plan-your-journey/pets/ . I’m not sure about the storage of a large travel crate – we left behind our dog’s large crate before taking the train, but there’s information about luggage regulations on the same website.

When boarding the ferry, it’s requested that pets are carried onboard in a carrier (this is what we did), but this isn’t always enforced. And wheeling on your dog in his crate is probably the best idea for a larger dog. On the car deck of the ferry there are a few large crates that dogs can go in if they don’t have their own. As our dog is small we put his carrier inside one of the large crates.

One other thing – the train station isn’t next to the ferry wharf, it’s just over 2km away. We took a taxi. That might be a problem if you’re travelling with a large crate…

Hi there, great blog – thank you!

I am currently in the process of adopting a dog from Turkey. I think I am slowly getting there is terms of understanding what she needs. But I wonder if you could help me with a few things?

My plan is to fly her from Turkey to Amsterdam and then the next day get the ferry to England. I am told she has a pet passport but I am assuming this is not EU, so do you suggest that we complete both EU & GB Health Certificates?

Will the UK look at her as “technically” coming from EU as we are leaving from Netherlands? Or will they look at it like she is coming from Turkey?

Can you advise on what Amsterdam customs is like when you collect the dog? Is there any support that I need or is it as simple as picking her up from excess baggage?

I don’t believe the EU will recognised the Turkish pet passport, unlike say the Switzerland pet passport, so I recommend getting both health certificates completed. Are you also across the requirements for the rabies titre test? (See: https://www.travelnuity.com/travelling-to-europe-with-a-dog/ )

With picking up your dog in Amsterdam, if you fly with your dog in the hold as excess baggage, you will simply need to pick her up from the excess baggage counter, then show the paperwork when you go through customs. It’s more complicate if she flies as cargo, with pick-up from the cargo facility, but I’m guessing she won’t fly as cargo.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Travel with a dog to the UK (Pre-Brexit)

Categories Dog-Friendly Travel , Flying with a Dog , International Travel with a Dog , Travel Europe , Travel with a Dog

When my parents planned a long layover in Paris en route to their dream trip to Africa, we drove our van to meet them there with the dogs. Since we were so close to the UK, we figured that we may as well continue north before Brexit makes entry to the UK more difficult.

We, the pet travel experts, did not do diligent homework prior to our travels to the UK, and were denied entry. Fortunately, the matter was an easy fix and we were on the ferry to Dover the following morning.

The current requirements do not require much more work than other international entries with a dog from the US , and in fact are the same rules we faced when we flew to Norway to start our bicycle tour.

This post is long and filled with everything you need to know about how to travel with a dog to the UK so you can avoid being denied entry.

Table of Contents

Iso microchip, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment, rabies titer test, importing your dog from the united states to the uk, are there other options besides sending my dog as cargo, banned breeds, do dogs need to be quarantined in the uk.

United Kingdom Entry Requirements for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

Like with all European countries, your pet must have a 15-digit ISO microchip (11784/11785 compliant) inserted prior to arrival. Note that this is a different frequency than those given in the United States. This means your dog will have to have two different microchips.

All pets entering the UK must provide proof of an up to date rabies vaccination that was administered after the microchip implant. 

This first vaccination post microchip is called the “primary vaccination” and should last one year. Vaccinations administered after the primary are considered “booster vaccinations” and can be 3 year vaccinations. Three year vaccinations will not be considered for use as the primary vaccination.

Pets whose primary vaccination has expired without a booster must start the process over again. Pets entering from rabies free and  rabies-controlled countries have a 21-day waiting period before they are permitted to enter the UK. 

This includes other EU countries . Be sure to check the list before making assumptions about entry. Keep in mind that you are checking the departure country , not your home country (other requirements may be required depending on the country from which you will be bringing your dog. More on that below).

There is no waiting period provided the primary vaccination was administered after the microchip implant and the booster vaccination was administered before the expiration of the primary rabies shot.

Required for dogs only, the UK requires a tapeworm treatment administered by a veterinarian. The tapeworm treatment is something that must be done each time you bring your pet to the UK .

The treatment must be given no fewer than 24 hours and no more than 5 days (120 hours ) prior to entry. Your dog can and will be denied entry if this is not done correctly (as we can tell you from experience).

Specific information about the tapeworm treatment must be recorded in the EU pet passport by your veterinarian in the “Echinococcus treatment” section of the passport. Pets entering from outside of the EU without a pet passport may provide an official veterinary certificate . 

This information includes:

• Name and manufacturer of the medication
• Date and time of treatment
• Stamp and signature from veterinarian

Don’t know what an EU pet passport is or need to know how to get one? Here are the details for procuring one once you enter the EU.

Pets coming directly from Finland, Malta, Ireland, or Norway do not require tapeworm treatment.

Dogs leaving the UK for up to 5 days (120 hours) must be treated prior to departure and wait at least 24 hours before returning to the UK. If the trip is longer than 120 hours, your dog must be treated again prior to entry.

Your dog should be treated once again within 28 days of re-entering the UK.

Pet owners bringing their dogs or cats from high risk rabies countries must present a titer test . This process takes several months, so we advise starting the process six months in advance of when you plan to arrive in the UK.

Before leaving, the pet must first be microchipped, then vaccinated with a primary rabies shot (in that order). After 30 days, you will need to get a titer test, which is a blood sample that determines the rabies antibody levels in an animal.

Your veterinarian must send the blood sample to an EU-approved laboratory either within or outside of the EU. A successful blood test must demonstrate that your pet shows a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Once you have received the results, you must then wait 3 months from the date of the blood draw before you will be permitted entry. You must have a copy of the test results and the third-country health certificate mentioned above with the date of blood sample draw filled out.

If your pet was vaccinated, tested, and has a pet passport in the EU before traveling to a high risk rabies country, then you do not need to wait the three months.

The titer test will be valid provided you keep your dog’s rabies boosters up to date.

Titer tests can be quite expensive (around $150 to $200 or more), so budget as you need and don’t be afraid to shop around nearby locations. Some laboratories charge less than others.

In addition to meeting all the above requirements, all animals entering the UK by air must fly as cargo, no matter the size and weight of the dog, on a route and airline approved by the UK government . The Animal and Plant Health Agency only have approved entry routes to England and Scotland. There are none for Wales.

The only exceptions are medically-certified service animals or emotional support animals. 

Europe does not recognize emotional support animals, so your flight must be direct from the US to a UK airport and the airline must approve the transport of such animals.

Upon arrival, you will need to go through customs with your dog where they will check through all of your paperwork and hopefully approve your entry.

If you have an exceptionally large dog or a snub-nosed breed (brachycephalic breeds) like bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and pugs your only option may be to use a pet transport company. Many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds in the cargo hold due to suffocation risks.

Pet transport companies can cost thousands of dollars, and unfortunately for some, this is the only option they face if they want to fly.

Understanding that many dog parents feel apprehensive about sending their dog as cargo, there are a few other options. We have traveled with Sora in cargo and as long as you do your research, we believe that it is safe . 

Before selecting an airline (and making sure the carrier and route are on the UK government approval list), ask these questions while conducting your research.

Option #1 Fly into a nearby EU nation and take the ferry to the UK

If you have a dog small enough to fly in cabin (size and weight varies among airlines), you can bring your dog to the destination country, obtain your pet passport, get the tapeworm treatment there, and take a ferry to the UK.

Keep in mind that entry requirements will be similar, but different from the UK, so you’ll have to do a bit more homework. Most EU countries follow the guidelines outlined in this article .

France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are the nearest countries for this option. As with flying, the UK government has approved ferry routes for entry with a dog. 

Your dog will be checked at the customs booth in the departure country prior to boarding. It seems that most ferry lines to the UK require that all pets remain in the car during transport. The trip isn’t that long (we took the ferry from Calais, France to Dover, England and it was about 35 minutes), so it’s generally not an issue. Just be sure to check the weather on your departure date and travel as early as possible if it’s warm.

Option #2 Take the Queen Mary 2*

This luxury cruise line supposedly allows dogs to travel in style on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 7-night crossing from New York City to Southampton, England.  

You’ll need to book your spot at least a year in advance, as they fill quickly. The maximum number of animals permitted per voyage is 24 and most trips reach full capacity.

The price to bring your dog isn’t cheap. Large dogs can cost $1,000 and smaller dogs $800. All pets are looked after by the Queen Mary Kennel Master, a longtime staff member on the ship and former zoo caretaker in the Philippines.

Pets remain in their kennels aside from outdoor exercise time where they can roam around on a gated deck for three hours per day. Owners can also visit their pets several times throughout the day. The Kennel Master feeds the animals and pet parents can order their furry friends room service treats like chicken and freshly baked biscuits. 

* I have read several accounts of this pet friendly transport, but cannot find information on the Cunard website about pets. I have reached out to them and will keep this post updated with any pertinent information.

The UK does not permit entry to the following breeds or mixes:

• Fila Brasileiro
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argnetino

(We do not support BSL (breed-specific legislation), so we invite you to join us and sign the petition at the RSPCA here .)

The UK only requires quarantine if you pet fails to meet the travel requirements. If you are unable to remain in or return to the origination country, then quarantine is the only option (aside from the third one that is unthinkable – putting your pet down).

Once you have booked a quarantine facility, you must then request a license and boarding document and fill in part A. Next step is to send the form to the quarantine facility.

Cost to quarantine your pet depends on the facility you select. Your pet will be released from quarantine after one of the following occur:

• It meets the pet travel requirements
• It has spent 4 months in quarantine
• You decide to return it to your home country

Moral? Do your homework and avoid quarantine!

What will happen after Brexit?

It’s difficult to say until it happens, as nobody knows exactly what the new requirements will look like, however, the following is likely:

• An EU Pet Passport will no longer be valid
• A titer test will be required for all entrants , no matter the origination country
• Dogs traveling from tapeworm-free countries in the EU will require tapeworm treatment
• Pets entering the UK will require an official veterinary health certificate no more than 10 days prior to entry

The UK Government site has outlined potential requirements depending on the Brexit outcome.

PIN FOR LATER!

Andrew Combes

Saturday 29th of June 2019

As well as all the hoops mentioned above you do also need to consider a real biggie if you are a dog and bike combo - I live in the UK and have yet to find a way of getting across the Chanel without wrapping me my bike and my Spaniel in a car or van. Pedestrian or cycle passengers are not allowed to cross with dogs even if the ferry has kennels or pet friendly cabins on board. Absolute madness! Needs a bit of a campaign to get them to shift from their current illogical stance.

Jen Sotolongo

Oh, that is dumb! And definitely something I (ironically) overlooked. They require that your bike also go in a car? Thanks for making me aware of this challenge!

Politics latest: London terror survivor attacks Sunak's 'abysmal' response to helping victims

Ahead of the seventh anniversary of the Westminster Bridge terror attack, one of the survivors who suffered horrific injuries told Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge the government hadn't done enough to help victims.

Thursday 21 March 2024 20:15, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Tory mayoral candidate defects to Reform
• Record day of small boat Channel crossings
• Next Commons votes on Rwanda bill still weeks away
• Sam Coates: 'Big problem' as Tories lose key Leave voters
• Terror survivor attacks PM's 'abysmal' response to victims
• Women hit by state pension age change 'owed compensation'
• Sky News Daily: Will government 'do the right thing' for WASPIs?
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill and (earlier)  Faith Ridler

By Tim Baker , political reporter

Sir Keir Starmer has criticised Nike for changing the cross of St George on the back of the new England kit. 

The Labour leader called on the sports giant to change it back.

A post on social media showed the usually red and white cross on the kit's colour will be red, purple, blue, and black on the jerseys for this year.

'It doesn't need to be changed'

The move had been criticised by Reform UK MP Lee Anderson and outspoken Conservative Brendan Clarke-Smith.

Sir Keir joined in the criticism when asked by The Sun if it was "wrong" to change the colours.

"Yeah, I think it was," he said.

"As you know, I'm a big football fan. I go to England games - men's and women's games - and the flag is used by everybody. 

"It is a unifier, it doesn't need to be changed, we just need to be proud of it - so, I think they should just reconsider this and change it back."

He went on: "I'm not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change it in the first place. 

"One more thing on that for me, they could also reduce the price of the shirts - I think it's £130."

A home shirt for men and women costs £124.99 on the Nike website.

A description of the new kit from Nike read: "The England 2024 home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.

"The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England's 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple."

We're ending tonight's show with Emmanuel Macron's boxing photos that have taken social media by storm.

The French president's official photographer, Soazig de la Moissonnière, posted two black and white images of him in action using a punch bag, looking determined as he offloads right hooks in a fitted black T-shirt.

The photos led to lots of compliments for the 46-year-old leader on his sizeable biceps.

Some even compared him to the film icon Rocky Balboa.

You can judge for yourself below…

That's all from the Politics Hub programme tonight, but stay with us here for more news and analysis from Westminster through the evening.

One of Sophy's panellists is Fraser Nelson , editor of The Spectator.

Despite recent defections from the Tories to Reform, and the party gaining ground on them in the polls, he's not convinced that it's actually proving that popular with voters.

It all says more about the Conservatives, he says.

"Reform is basically coming out with Conservative messages," he says.

"And people are saying 'I no longer trust the Conservatives on these messages, so I'll go with Reform'.

"Farage had a different one - he wanted to leave the EU and David Cameron didn't."

While Mr Farage is a key figure in Reform, its leader is Richard Tice, who "doesn't have Farage-style charisma".

People backing Reform is based on "push factors away from the Tories rather than pull factors towards Reform", he adds.

The former Tory mayor candidate for Greater Manchester, who defected today, tells Sophy Ridge he plans to stand in the race for Reform UK. 

Asked how his defection came about, he says he approached Reform UK, knowing they were "interested" in him.

He describes getting a "warm reception" from those he has spoken to within the party. 

"It feels good," he says.

Asked how he would describe the leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak he says he has "no legitimate mandate".

"I think he must struggle within himself with the sort of decisions he's making, knowing that he's not really got a legitimate mandate," Mr Barker says.

On the show now is Dan Barker, the former Conservative candidate for the Manchester mayoral race who defected to Reform UK today. 

Asked what prompted his decision, he says the Tories have "given up on Greater Manchester and the north of England".

They "no longer support my politics, my conservative values," he adds.

He went on to accuse the Conservative Party of not supporting his campaign. 

"I didn't receive a single pound off them in terms of supporting my campaign against a national figure like Andy Burnham," he says.

"As the government, the party in power and the main opposition Party in Greater Manchester, it's incumbent on the Conservatives to hold him to account for his record of seven years."

Sophy points out that Mr Barker only became the Conservative mayoral candidate in November and asks whether his defection is sour grapes because the Party didn't give him more support because he wasn't expected to win.

He says he was hoping to receive £20,000 to £30,000 to fund a "modest social media campaign", which he described as a "fraction" of what other mayoral candidates have received.

He says that while Reform UK don't have the resources the Conservative Party has, they have been more forthcoming with resources "in 24 hours than the Conservative Party has in four months". 

Mr Barker's defection comes after the former deputy chairman of the Conservatives, Lee Anderson announced he would be joining Reform UK, having been ousted from his party after failing to apologise for comments he made about London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Former Labour special adviser  Ayesha Hazarika tells Sophy Ridge the Waspi women (see previous post) have been victims of "institutionalised sexism and ageism".

"I do feel part of why these Waspi women have been ignored is the fact they were older women," she says.

A long-awaited report on how women born in the 1950s were affected by increases to their retirement age has recommended today they are owed compensation.

An investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found thousands of women born in the 1950s may have been adversely impacted by the government's failure to adequately inform them of the change.

A group of women impacted by the change - known as the Waspi women - has campaigned over the issue since 2015.

You can read more about them and their campaign via our political reporter Jennifer Scott :

 Perhaps the biggest story of the day was a watchdog finding women affected by a change in the state pension age are owed compensation.

To date, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not acknowledged its failings or put things right for those women, the watchdog said.

The ombudsman noted that the department has indicated it will not comply with the findings and called on parliament to intervene.

Read more from our political reporter Faye Brown :

Travis Frain, who seven years ago tomorrow was caught up in the Westminster Bridge terror attack, says the prime minister's response to a survivors' support initiative has been "abysmal".

He says he helped put together a survivors' charter to improve support for people impacted by terrorism. It examined practices in different countries and outlined a roadmap for implementing changes. 

Consulting on a survivors' charter was both a Labour and Conservative manifesto commitment in 2019, he adds.

But he says repeated letters to the government in recent years have been repeatedly ignored. 

Asked how he would describe Rishi Sunak's response, he says: "Poor, if not abysmal."

'Lives irrevocably changed'

He says he has now met the home secretary this week, but that a review conducted by the Home Office into support for victims of terrorism concluded in February of last year and hasn't yet been published.

He says with each passing anniversary he reflects on the number of attacks which have followed, saying it's "worrying" that after each of those, we "have a potentially short memory as a society in terms of moving on".

"I recognise that for the vast majority of people, terrorism will be this abstract concept," he says. 

"But for the people in those five attacks, their lives are irrevocably changed and those are people who could have received better support. And yet actually often in many cases receive exactly the same support I did in 2017."

On the show now is Travis Frain. 

Seven years ago tomorrow, he survived the 2017 Westminster Bridge terror attack, which killed five people and injured more than 50.

He tells Sophy he had only just turned 19 and was on a university trip to London when he was hit by a car which mounted the pavement near parliament, mowing down pedestrians. 

He suffered a broken left leg, broke nearly all the bones in his head and was also severely lacerated on his leg. 

'Lucky' to have survived

It took months to recover, but he says he considers himself "lucky" to have survived without lifelong injuries.

He says in the years that followed, getting the support he needed was a "battle" which became "one of the most difficult parts".

"Unfortunately, as I came to realise very quickly over the years following, support … wasn't as easily available as I think we would take for granted," he says. 

"It was not the attack, which itself I believe was over in about 90 seconds. 

"Of course, we have to deal with the psychological impacts of what we saw on that day, but it's the battle we've had to endure over the years following that's been one of the most difficult parts."

He describes it as a battle with "our own country, our own government, our own society to try to get the support that survivors require. 

Travis is now campaigning for a National Day of Service and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism - and for greater support for those victims.

Our economics and data editor Ed Conway has given some of his thoughts on the Bank of England holding interest rates again today (see previous post).

As frustrating as it might be for the government, the prime minister and chancellor will be relieved that the signs are they will come down before too long.

"It's a guessing game," says Ed, who reckons it could happen in May, June, or maybe August - perhaps it will coincide with an election!

A good sign is that the Bank didn't view the chancellor's spring budget earlier this month as being "super inflationary".

"We are moving closer and closer towards rates being cut," Ed says, but until then it's a "waiting game".

And there's no guarantee that it will lead to the "economic feel good factor" that the Tories will be looking for before the election.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Environment
• Wildlife, animals, biodiversity and ecosystems
• Animal welfare

Government backs legislation to tackle illegal pet smuggling

New measures will close existing loopholes exploited by unscrupulous breeders and traders

Tougher powers to tackle illegal cat and dog smuggling have taken a significant step forward today (15 March) with the announcement of government backing for new legislation. 

Delivering on a key manifesto commitment, under the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill – a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by Selaine Saxby – legislation will be introduced to close existing loopholes exploited by immoral breeders and traders to illegally smuggle cats and dogs into the UK.

There are a significant number of pets imported into the UK every year, with 320,000 brought in under the Pet Travel Scheme, and 44,000 as commercial imports last year.

Support for this Bill builds on the Government’s efforts to enhance our world-leading standards of animal welfare. The UK was the first country in the world to introduce animal cruelty offences and is the highest ranked G7 nation according to World Animal Protection’s Index.

Measures under the Bill will strengthen the Pet Travel Scheme to ensure that no one is able to fraudulently import animals for sale under the guise of being an owner travelling with their own pets. This includes reducing the number of animals that can travel into Great Britain under this scheme from five per person to five per vehicle, or three per foot or air passenger as well as ensuring that pet movements take place within five days of the owner’s travel.

The Bill will allow for the introduction of further legislation to raise the minimum age for importing a puppy or a kitten from 15 weeks to six months, allowing them to grow up ahead of being taken on potentially long and stressful journeys which can have a lasting impact on their temperament and behaviour.  

Secondary legislation under the Bill also allows for the ban on imports of heavily pregnant dogs and cats or animals with cropped ears, docked tails or that have been declawed.

Ear cropping is a painful process where a dog’s outer ears are surgically altered or removed to make them look more aggressive. This inhumane surgical procedure, which has been illegal in this country since 2006, can hinder their ability to communicate with other dogs and their owners. The majority of these dogs are suspected to have undergone the procedure overseas and under the proposed secondary legislation would be banned from entering the country.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: 

“Pet smuggling is an abhorrent trade which causes great suffering to animals.

“As a nation of animal lovers, and a dog lover myself, we will not accept this, which is why we are determined fulfil our manifesto commitment and bring it to an end.

“This Bill will help protect the health and welfare of thousands of animals that are brought into the country each year and stop criminals looking to profit from the rise in demand for pets. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.”     

Selaine Saxby MP said:

 “I am glad that the Government is supporting this vital Bill and is committed to its swift passage to safeguard the welfare of thousands of dogs, cats and ferrets that come into Great Britain from overseas each year.

“I would like to thank the tireless campaigning from the pet charities who have shared their views about this Bill. I hope they are reassured by the measures outlined in the Bill, which will stop this cruel puppy and kitten smuggling trade by closing loopholes exploited by unscrupulous commercial traders.

“We really are a nation of pet lovers, and this legislation will ensure that the UK is a world leader in animal welfare.”

Harriet Main, Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, said:

“We know many animal lovers share our concern at the numbers of mutilated dogs and cats; and young and pregnant pets being imported into the country. “So we’re delighted that the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill has passed through the Second Reading stage and that we’re one step closer to living in a country with better protection for our animals.

“This law will take steps towards protecting animals from the suffering they endure as part of this trade, which increasingly involves gangs who are associated with serious organised crime.

“It will also protect cats and dogs from painful procedures such as declawing and ear cropping, and will place restrictions on the ages that cats, dogs and ferrets can be brought into the country from overseas, clamping down on the lucrative trade in puppies and kittens which often seriously compromises their welfare and wellbeing. As we strive for a better world for animals, we are delighted that this Bill is progressing.”

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, says:

“Dogs Trust has been campaigning for tougher laws around the illegal importation of dogs for over 10 years, during which time we have cared for more than 3,000 puppies caught up in this abhorrent trade.

“This Bill will offer protection to countless dogs and puppies to prevent them suffering at the hands of smugglers. We are delighted that, once passed, it will be illegal to import dogs with brutal mutilations, prevent heavily pregnant dogs from being smuggled in cramped and squalid conditions, and make sure puppies are not exploited by raising the age at which they can be imported to six months.

“We are grateful to Selaine Saxby MP for taking forward her Private Members Bill and are hopeful with Government backing the bill will be passed into law quickly”

Illegal pet smuggling is often associated with serious welfare issues, and pets found to be illegally smuggled face a significantly higher risk of developing illnesses or even death. This Bill allows the government to bring forward a ban or restrictions on low welfare imports of dogs, cats and ferrets into the UK.

By supporting the Bill, the Government is delivering pledges made in its Action Plan for Animal Welfare to clamp down on puppy smuggling.

We have also now achieved our commitment to deliver the Kept Animals Bills measures individually, with all of the measures that needed legislation back before Parliament.

Since publishing the Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021, we have also brought in new laws to recognise animal sentience, introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences; announced an extension of the ivory ban to cover other ivory bearing species; supported legislation to ban glue traps, the import of detached shark fins and measures to ban the advertising and offering for sale of low welfare activities abroad. 

Further information:

Kept Animals Bills measures are:

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill – which is only possible now we have left the European Union – will put an end to the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, stopping animals enduring unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury on long journeys.   

The Pet Abduction Bill – which has government support - will create a new specific offence to tackle dog and cat abduction.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill – also supported by government -  will introduce tougher powers to tackle livestock worrying incidents.

We have delivered new legislation protecting primates , which will bring in a strict licensing scheme to ensure that only private keepers who meet new welfare and licensing standards will be able to keep primates.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

• Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
• Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.