The pet travel laws in the UK have undergone some changes recently in keeping with the European Union regulations for travel to countries in the passport scheme.
Provided they are in accordance with the rules of the scheme, all pets travelling to or from the UK from any country in the world will not need to go into quarantine.
The rules often differ depending on the country, so you should check this out before travelling. Just click here to find out more.
You now have to have a working microchip plus a rabies vaccine and then your pet is able to travel out of the UK 21 days after that. Return to the UK requires a tapeworm treatment to be recorded in the passport between one and five days before presentation at the port of entry to the UK.
Have your pet microchipped – Your first step is to fit your pet with a microchip that will identify it before any of the other procedures for pet travel are carried out.
Have your pet vaccinated – Once your pet has a microchip, it must be vaccinated against rabies. This second step is very important and must be done, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination. The length of the waiting period before travelling is 21 days after the first vaccination date. A waiting period is not required for subsequent entries into the UK, provided rabies boosters are kept up to date. Always ensure that the Rabies boosters are kept up to date.
Obtain pet travel documentation – For animals travelling within the EU countries, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing to travel with your animal in a non-EU listed country or territory you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate (except Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland who also issue pet passports).
Tapeworm treatment (applicable to dogs only) – Before entering the UK, all pet dogs (including assistance dogs) must be treated for tapeworm. The treatment has to be administered by a vet, no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK. There is no mandatory requirement for tick treatment. No treatment is required for dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland or Malta.
Specialist Treatments – These may not be as readily available overseas so it would be wise to have your pet examined before you go on abroad. For the very best in animal care London is hard top beat.
