england pet travel

How to Travel to England with Your Pets

Traveling the world is an amazing, broadening experience, but it can be hard to figure out the logistics of a vacation to England when you want to bring your pet along with you. Luckily, traveling to England with a pet is not as difficult as it once was.

In order to travel in England with a dog, cat, or ferret, you will have to have your pet microchipped, get a pet passport or third-country veterinary certificate, and have it vaccinated against rabies. There are a variety of other requirements depending on the kind of pet you have and where you are traveling from.

Continue reading below for the complete details on how to travel to England with a pet, including what requirements your pet must meet and how to make their time traveling as comfortable as possible.

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Disclaimer: You should check GOV UK for the latest information on travelling to England with pets.

UK Requirements for Travelling to England with a Dog, Cat or Ferret

It wasn’t that long ago that it was very difficult to travel to England with a pet. England is a rabies free country, and they are looking to keep it that way, but they have loosened the laws in the past decade so that now it is fairly easily to travel with a pet in England.

These rules apply to residents of the UK as well as foreigners that are just visiting. If you are a UK resident and travel out of the country with your pet, you will have to meet the same requirements as anyone else traveling into the UK from that country.

No matter what country you and your pet are traveling from, it must be microchipped, have a pet passport or a veterinary certificate, an up to date rabies vaccination, and potentially there will be even more requirements depending on where the pet is traveling from.

But don’t worry, all the requirements are manageable as long as you have enough time to plan ahead.

Microchipping

A microchip is a permanent and electronic way of providing identification for your pet. If a pet gets out of its traveling crate and loses it collar, it can still be identified using a microchip scanner.

The microchip itself is a small device no bigger than a grain of rice that is implanted just under your pets skin, usually between their shoulder blades. The microchip has a unique number that is read using a microchip scanner. This number is connected to a database that provides contact information for the pet’s owner.

If your pet is not already microchipped, then you will need to bring your pet to a vet to get a microchip implanted, and you will need to add your information to the database. If your pet has already been microchipped, be sure the contact information in the database is up to date.

When getting a microchip for travelling to England, there are a few things you need to know.

• First, your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time that it gets its rabies vaccination. If your pet was not microchipped at the time that it got its rabies vaccination, it would have to get the vaccination again.
• The microchip that you use should also meet the International Organization for Standardization’s standards for microchips. If the microchip does not meet these standards, there is a chance that the microchip scanner used when you arrive in England will be unable to read it.
• Microchipping is not necessary if your pet has an identification number that was tattooed on it on or before July 3, 2011. The number must be recorded in their pet passport.

EU Pet Passport

A pet passport is not really like a human passport at all. It does provide some identifying information and a photo of your pet, but its main purpose is to chronicle the pet’s veterinary treatments and immunizations.

Pet passports are offered by many veterinarians across Europe at reasonable prices, but if your vet does not offer them, they should be able to refer you to a vet that does without any issue.

If you live outside of the European Union, you must get an official veterinary certificate that essentially does the same thing that a pet passport does. However, where a pet passport will last for the life of your pet as long as your pet is kept up to date on its vaccinations, a veterinary certificate will only be good for 4 months after you arrive in the UK.

The official veterinary certificate must be obtained within 10 days of arrival in England.

If you are planning to stay for an extended period of time with your pet in England or anywhere in the UK, you can get an EU pet passport while you are in Europe. Your pet may be required to undergo an examination and may get additional vaccinations, even if your pet already got the same vaccinations before you arrived in England. 

To get a pet passport when you arrive in England, you will need to schedule a visit to a veterinary office that can distribute them when you arrive.

Vaccinations Against Rabies

Before you can bring your pet to England, it must be vaccinated against rabies. This is a very strict requirement because rabies does not exist in England either in domesticated animals or wildlife.

Rabies is a virus that is commonly transmitted from dog saliva to humans when an infected dog bites the human, although many animals are capable of contracting rabies and passing it to humans through a bite. 

Rabies can be lethal to both pets and humans, and it can be found on every continent except Antarctica, so it is truly rare that England has avoided it.

A pet must receive his rabies vaccination or the last of his primary course of vaccinations at least 21 days before arriving in England. The vaccination should be recorded in the pet passport or on the veterinary certificate.

Your pet’s booster vaccinations must be up to date, and all of the pet passport or official veterinary certificate must be filled out properly.

The information required includes your pet’s date of birth, microchip number, the date it was put in or read, and where it is located, the date of the vaccination, the vaccine manufacturer and product name, the vaccine batch number, the date the vaccination is valid until and the vet’s signature and contact details.

If the pet passport or official veterinary certificate is not filled out properly, your pet could be prevented from traveling or it could be held in quarantine for 4 months, and you would be responsible for paying the expense of this.

If you are traveling from one of the Unlisted Countries, or any country not listed on the two lists displayed on this page , then you will have additional requirements that must be met to show unequivocally that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.

• Of course, you first must vaccinate your pet against rabies.
• Thirty days after your pet has its rabies vaccination, it must get a blood test to prove that it has sufficient rabies antibodies.
• The vet must send the blood sample to an EU approved blood testing laboratory. The purpose of this is to show that the vaccination worked, and your pet is protected against rabies.
• If your blood test results do not show that your pet it immune to rabies, it cannot travel to England. 
• If your blood test results show that your pet is immune to rabies, you still must wait 3 months before you can travel to England.
• This 3-month wait is not necessary if you had the pet vaccinated, blood tested and given a pet passport in the UK before traveling to an unlisted country.
• The vet must enter the test results and record the day the test was given on the official veterinary certificate.

Timing Requirements

You can send your pet on ahead of you when traveling to England, but you must arrive within five days of your pet’s arrival.

You can also authorize your pet to travel with someone else if part of your travel companions is going ahead of you with your pet .

If you or another authorized person cannot pick up the pet within five days, you have to follow a whole other set of rules for bringing pets in the UK for commercial reasons.

It is best for your pet that you arrive within 5 days of your pet anyway because traveling can be a very stressful for pets.

Special Requirements

There are some special requirements placed upon dogs in general, cats coming from Australia, and cats and dogs traveling from Malaysia. If your traveling with a dog or a cat coming from Australia or Malaysia, you will definitely want to follow the requirements below.

Special Requirements for Dogs

Dogs are some of the most common traveling companions because they generally can handle the stress of travel far better than other animals like cats, but there are two extra requirements for traveling to England with a dog.

If you are traveling to England with a dog, the dog must be treated for tapeworm every time it enters the UK.  

The tapeworm treatment must be given at least 24 hours before your pet’s arrival and no more than 5 days before. The vaccine itself must contain praziquantel or an equivalent that is proven to be effective against Echinococcus multilocularis (tapeworm).

Make sure your vet lists the tapeworm treatment in your pet passport or official veterinary certificate. This information must include the name and manufacturer of the product, the date and time the dog was treated, and the vet’s stamp and signature.

If you are a UK resident and taking your pet out of the UK for a short trip, then you can give the treatment before you leave. You must stay abroad for at least 24 hours and return within 120 hours (5 days).

Additionally, there are certain types of dogs that are not permitted in England. These include Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros .

Whether your dog is one of these types is determined by look, not by its name or breed. Even a dog mixed with one of these types can be a banned dog.

Special Requirements for Cats Travelling from Australia

Due to incidences of the Hendra virus in Australia, England has some special requirements for cats that travel from Australia to the UK.

Hendra virus is a rare viral infection that can cause a variety of flu like symptoms in humans that can range from mild to life threatening. It is also known to cause life threatening illness in horses. ( source )

If you are traveling to England from Australia with a cat, you need to obtain a certificate from the Australian Department of Agriculture that states that your cat has not been exposed to the Hendra virus in the past 60 days before your departure. ( source )

Special Requirements Cats and Dogs Traveling from Peninsular Malaysia

Due to incidences of the Nipah virus in peninsular Malaysia, England requires some extra assurance that cats and dogs traveling from there have not been exposed.

The Nipah virus can cause acute respiratory illness and fetal encephalitis in humans and it is known for causing severe disease in pigs which results in devastating economic loss for pig farmers. ( source )

When traveling from Malaysia with your pet, you will need to get a certificate from the Malaysian government’s veterinary health services.

This certificate must show that your pet has not been in contact with a pig within 60 days of departing the country, has not been on a holding where Nipah disease has been found within 60 days of departing the country, and has a negative blood test result for the Nipah virus antibody.

This blood test must be performed at a specially approved laboratory for the Nipah virus, and the blood draw must occur no more than 10 days before you plan to leave Malaysia.

What About Traveling with Guide or Assistance Dogs?

If you are traveling with an assistance or guide dog, it must meet all the requirements of other dogs including microchipping, vaccinations, and tapeworm treatments. 

However, an assistance or guide dog is allowed to travel on more routes and are typically allowed to travel in the air cabin while other pets often must travel separated from their owners.

Typically, UK travel companies will recognize your pet as a guide dog if it was trained by a company associated with Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation.

Traveling to England via air, rail, or ferry is typically not a problem when you have an assistance or guide dog, but in all circumstances the guide dog must meet the same requirements as any other dog.

It is always a good idea to call ahead and check with the company that you are traveling with to make sure that they can allow an assistance dog to stay with you and any requirements that may be necessary like a special car harness to secure the dog during takeoff and landing.

Some companies will need to know ahead of time to ensure that they have enough space for your assistance dog.

Traveling with Other Animals

Dogs, cats, and ferrets are clearly not the only animals you may wish to travel with when you are visiting England. If you have a less conventional travel companion, there are a different set of requirements you must follow.

If you are from the EU, then you can travel freely. The UK does not place any travel restrictions or requirements on pet rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, amphibians, or reptiles. This covers the most common animals that you might travel with.

If you live outside of the EU and you are traveling with any of these animals, they will need to spend 4 months in quarantine before they can enter the UK. You are responsible for the cost of the quarantine which varies depending on the carrier.

Horses are able to travel using a similar method as a dog or a cat. They must get a passport, have their health examined by a vet, and be up to date on any vaccinations ( source ).

For questions about bringing a pet that is not a cat, dog, or ferret, you can contact the Centre for International Trade . ( source )

Pets that are exotic or not native to the UK will likely not be allowed to enter England. If you are a resident of the UK, you may be able to have a pet that is not native to England, but you must get special licenses.

How to Make Your Pet Comfortable While Traveling

Be certain that you really need to bring your pet with you. Many animals do not enjoy any part of traveling. Cats, for example, are very resistant to changing their environment and are prone to trying to find their way back home the moment they are given the opportunity. Time in a foreign country will most certainly be fun for you, but your pet might not have the same feelings.

If you want to bring your pet with you, then begin to plan your trip at least two months in advance to ensure that you have plenty of time to get the necessary paperwork and vaccinations sorted out. This is especially true if you’re traveling from a country outside of the European Union.

If you are planning to travel with your pet to England from an unlisted country, you should begin planning 6 months out because of the extra requirements for traveling from these countries.

By preparing well in advance for your trip to England with your pet, you will ensure that your pet does not end up in quarantine or not allowed into the UK, which would likely be a very stressful and uncomfortable situation for your pet.

Here are some simple tips you can follow when preparing for a trip to England with your pet.

General Travel Tips

Allow your pet to get used to being in their carrier, if you plan to use one. Let them explore it. Coax them into if they are hesitant and reward them with a treat and plenty of praise.

If it can be managed, it is best not to feed your pet a few hours before travel. This will help keep your pet from getting sick if they become nauseous.

Avoid causing your pet an upset stomach and bring a supply of your usual brand of food. It may be more difficult to locate in England, and many pets do not react well to a change in their diet.

Along with your pet’s microchip, it is a good idea to have an identification collar on your pet in case it becomes lost. This way you can be contacted right away if your pet is found.

Once you are in England, dogs are generally allowed on most city buses, trains, and the underground as long as there is enough room for them, and they are on a lead.

If your dog is not used to being in new places on a leash, you will need to help them get used to both being on a leash and being in new places before traveling. 

Tips for Traveling to England by Car with a Pet

Get your pet used to riding in the car. This is extra easy if you have a dog as most dogs adjust quickly to going for a ride in the car. Start by taking short trips with your pet. 

It may not be necessary to try to get your car used to riding in the car. For many cats no amount of practice will get them used to ride in a car. Focus on getting them used to their carrier so that they will feel secure when in the car.

Plan to make many stops along the way for your pet to get out of the car. Once again this is extra important when traveling with dogs. Cats are not likely to enjoy exploring new places and are easier to lose track of.

If you’re traveling with an adventurous cat, it may be worth getting your cat used to wearing a harness and walking on a leash. Some cats will bear this better than others, but it will allow you to let them out of their carrier to stretch their legs once in a while.

The safest place for most pets is in a pet carrier in the back seat. Don’t let your pets roam the car.

For a dog, you can also use a car harness that secures the dog in the vehicle and helps keep them safe in the event of an accident.

The Eurotunnel has designated pet areas for your pet to relieve themselves. It is a good idea to take advantage of these areas before crossing the channel.

Ferries often have different rules about pets. If you are planning to take a ferry, you will need to check with them in advance to be sure that your pet can cross.

Avoid leaving your pet in the car alone, especially in warm temperatures. This can be very dangerous for many pets.

Tips for Traveling to England by Airplane with a Pet

If your pet is very small or an assistance animal, it may be allowed to travel with you in the cabin of the plane in a carrier. This will depend on the airline’s specific regulations. You should call ahead to see where your pet will be traveling in the plane.

If your pet is larger, then it most definitely will be required to ride in its carrier in the cargo hold.

You need to have a transport carrier or box that is approved by the airline and well ventilated.

The travel carrier or box must also be large enough for your pet to lie down, stand, and turn around. This will help your pet travel safely and comfortably.

Make sure your pet is comfortable in their carrier. You can place a favorite toy or blanket in the carrier to help comfort them in your absence.

Look for direct flights so that your pet does not spend as much time in high stress situations. 

If you are arriving at a warm destination, try to arrange it so that you can arrive in the evening or night to help keep your pet cool and transition well. It is easy for a pet in a travel carrier that is stressed out to become overheated.

Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

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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.

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Travelling with pets

We know your pets are part of your family, which is why we treat every animal who flies with us like a VIP.

British Airways flights

Emotional support dogs

British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet and details on how to arrange this can be found below.

Service dogs

If you’re travelling with a recognised service dog, it can travel with you free of charge in the cabin of your British Airways flight. This service cannot be booked online and we might need to limit the number of dogs we can carry in the cabin.

From the UK

We’ve partnered with PetAir UK, which is run and owned by fully-qualified veterinary surgeons and has been flying pets all over the world since 2004, to offer British Airways customers a safe, comfortable and convenient way to export their pets from the UK.

If you are looking to transport your pet to the UK, our sister company IAG Cargo can help. They have decades of experience transporting animals from every corner of the globe and will look after your pet as if it were their own.

Pet Travel Scheme

If you're entering the UK, your dog must meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme offered by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports avoiding quarantine.

If you're travelling to a different country, please check with the relevant embassy or consulate for any regulations or restrictions.

SUN-AIR flights

SUN-AIR is our franchise partner operating flights within Europe under the British Airways brand. As on British Airways operated flights, recognised service dogs are allowed in the cabin, as well as other pets up to 6kg.

• Other pets must be transported in a waterproof bag or cage, with maximum dimensions of 20 x 30 x 20cm (7.5 x 11.5 x 7.5in).
• It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure that all documentation and animal passports are in order before departure.
• SUN-AIR permits one pet on board each aircraft at one time.

Please contact the SUN-AIR ticket office on +45 75 33 16 11 no later than 72 hours before departure if you wish to bring your pet on a SUN-AIR operated flight. Please note that pets are not permitted on SUN-AIR flights to the United Kingdom.

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

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The PETS program allows people to take their pets between EU countries, and into the UK from approved locales without quarantine. It was established to manage the spread of disease while still permitting freedom of movement. 

Countries like the EU member states, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and a few others participate in PETS. Each sets general program rules around things like microchipping, vaccinations, paperwork, etc. Countries can also tailor aspects to their specific import regulations.

PETS originally launched in 2001. The UK version existed between EU states with shared principles. Following Brexit, amendments were made regarding entering/re-entering the UK under PETS versus just traveling within EU member countries. 

Is PETS Still in Effect Post Brexit?

Yes, PETS still permits pet travel to and from the UK. The core principles remain, although new regulations around entering the UK took effect on January 1, 2021 after the Brexit transition period ended. These primarily center around tick treatment certification and entrance points for pets.

Who Oversees PETS Compliance?

In the UK, PETS is governed by DEFRA – the government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. They set the high-level rules for taking animals in and out of the country such as permitted species, transport methods, quarantine policies and documentation protocols.

Individual airlines and transport companies have their own specific requirements as well, which must comply with DEFRA’s minimum expectations.Environmental health officers at points of UK entry complete an examination and document check to accept or deny pets into the country.

Core PETS Requirements

While particulars vary slightly country to country, the fundamental PETS requirements are:

• Microchipping – Dogs and cats must have ISO-standard 15-digit microchips. Other pets require approved unique identifiers.
• Vaccinations – Up-to-date rabies vaccines given by a vet. Timing protocols must be followed. 
• Documentation – Completed health certificate, vaccination records, microchip info, tick treatment certification, lab results, import licenses and more depending on the destination.
• Approved Transportation – Pets should travel per IATA Live Animal Regulations via airline or transport vehicles designed to maintain a stable, comfortable climate.
• Parasite Treatments – Dogs require approved tapeworm treatment 1-5 days pre-entry. 
• Border Checks – Verification of paperwork, microchips, general health upon arrival to the destination country.

UK Import Specific PETS Changes After Brexit

While pet travel within EU member countries remains status quo post Brexit, some amendments apply exclusively for entering the UK under PETS:

• Entry Points – Pets can only enter the UK from the EU through travel routes approved for ETAs carrying goods. Unaccompanied pets in small vehicles now require logistics support. 
• Tick Treatment – Tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival is mandatory with signed confirmation from the vet.
• Six Month Rule – If traveling from the EU, pets must enter the UK within six months after the blood sample date for the anti-rabies titer test to remain valid. 
• EU Paperwork – Animals from EU heading to UK need a new Animal Health Certificate endorsed by an Official Veterinarian verifying microchip, rabies vaccine, and tapeworm treatment instead of using the EU Pet Passport.

What About Other Species?

While PETS explicitly covers cats, dogs and ferrets, other species can also enter the UK without quarantine if they meet import licensing specifications. All pets entering Scotland require specific authorization under the Animals and Wildlife Act regardless of where they originate. Birds, fish, reptiles, rodents and more have additional prerequisites for border entry.

PETS scheme rules only exist within the EU, UK and approved countries – not universally. Always check individual nations’ policies before traveling internationally with any pet. Transport operators can walk pet owners through country-specific processes and documentation for smooth, worry-free pet travel.

Navigating Changing Regulations

With regular adjustments to post-Brexit PETS particulars plus individual country import/export variability, international pet travel gets complicated quickly. Allowing enough lead time before a planned move or trip is crucial. Working with a professional pet transport service intimately familiar with PETS across various borders streamlines everything.

Airpets International specializes in smooth international relocation and travel logistics for pets. Our expert global team can handle all details related to reservations, routing, paperwork, examinations, permits and customs coordination. Clients enjoy end-to-end service tailored for their pet’s unique needs while avoiding hassle and guesswork.

For more information on pet travel within the EU or entering/departing the UK under PETS before, during or after Brexit, contact us at Airpets International. Our full-service pet transport solutions get beloved pets where they need to go with comfort and care.

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Pet Travel Scheme

Pet Parent tips from Pet Protect

Bringing your pet dog or cat to Great Britain

The   Pet Travel Scheme   (PETS) allows   pet   dogs, cats and ferrets to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they comply with the regulations. It also allows pet   owners in the UK to take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European countries and then return with them without need for quarantine.

Further information on the scheme can be found on the official DEFRA web site

For dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK from any European or “listed” third country the key difference is that the current requirement to carry out a rabies blood test followed by a four-month wait before entry into the UK is no longer be required.

Eligibility

Dogs, cats and pet ferrets can enter or return to Great Britain if it has been:

• Microchipped – make sure your details are correct and updated on the microchip.
• Has a pet passport or health certificate.
• Vaccinated against rabies – your pet will need a blood test if you’re travelling from a country that is not listed .
• You must use an approved route, unless you’re travelling within the UK or from Ireland.
• You need to complete a declaration if you are not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet.
• Dogs must also usually have a tapeworm treatment.

Your pet may be put into quarantine   for up to 4 months if you do not follow these rules or have been refused entry if you travelled by sea.

• Check if you can bring your pet
• Get your pet microchipped –  check the rules for microchips
• Get your pet vaccinated against rabies – check the rules about rabies vaccinations . You must wait for a set period of time after vaccination before you can travel. Depending on the country you’re travelling from, you might also need to get a blood test.
• Get a tapeworm treatment. If you have a dog, you may also need to get tapeworm treatment before you travel –  check the rules about tapeworm treatment.
• Get a pet travel document –  check which travel document you need

Banned dog breeds

If you bring a  banned breed of dog  into the UK it can be taken away from you by the police or local authorities and could be destroyed.

Taking your pet abroad

There’s different guidance if you’re   taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad .

Check if you need to follow extra rules

You must   follow extra rules   (known as Balai rules) if any of the following apply:

• you’re going to sell, rehome or transfer the ownership of the animal
• your pet is arriving more than 5 days before or after you arrive
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How to Get a UK Pet Passport in 2024: An Expert Guide

Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

A pet passport was used in the United Kingdom to easily travel with your pets through Europe. However, since 2021, when the UK left the European Union (EU), pet passports have been replaced with the Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

The AHC can be a little more expensive and trickier than the pet passport, but completing all the documentation as early as possible is vital. The best way to do that is to know precisely what you need and where to get it, so let’s take a look!

• What Is an Animal Health Certificate?

The AHC proves domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets are safe to travel outside the UK. It’s valid for 10 days once signed, but when you leave the country, it becomes valid for 4 months within Europe and Northern Ireland.

If you are planning on traveling to a non-EU country, you will need a different document called an Export Health Certificate (EHC). If you currently live in England, Wales, or Scotland, you must also fill in an export application form (EXA). All the information you need can be found on the UK Government’s website. 1

These documents prove that your pet meets all the relevant health requirements to travel to a specific country. It’s incredibly important that you research exactly what you’ll need before you travel because different countries have different restrictions and requirements.

• What You Need to Know Before You Travel

Regarding the AHC, your pet must be at least 12 weeks old because they must be old enough to have all the relevant vaccinations. But what else do you need to know?

• 1. Get Your Pet Microchipped

If your pet hasn’t been microchipped, you must get it done. You will also need proof that your pet has a microchip for you to get an AHC. The chip will link your pet to the documents you provide to immigration officers.

• 2. Get Your Pet Vaccinated

Your pet’s vaccinations will need to be up to date, and the animal must also be vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before you travel. It’s important to communicate where you plan to travel with your vet because different countries require different vaccinations.

You will need up-to-date tapeworm treatment to go to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Malta, or Finland. Your pet also needs to be treated for tapeworms by a licensed vet 24–120 hours before returning to the UK.

• 3. Find an Official Veterinarian

The AHC can only be signed off by an official veterinarian (OV), so you will need to find one who can if your local vet can’t do it. Your vet might be able to point you in the right direction if you aren’t sure where to find one.

• 4. Be Aware That the AHC Can Be Costly

The cost of an AHC can vary drastically depending on where you live and how much your vet charges. Prices can range from £100 to over £200.

At least five pets can be included on one AHC, but some vet clinics might charge around £100 for each additional pet, while others won’t charge anything. Others have flat rates but increase their prices if you haven’t left enough time before you travel, so it will cost you more to put a rush on it. It’s a good idea to look into all of this before you commit to one clinic, so you know what it will cost you.

• 5. Check Your Insurance

While your insurance probably won’t cover the cost of an AHC , you might still be able to claim back something if it’s part of their wellness check. It’s also a good idea to see if you’re covered for vet visits if anything happens while you’re abroad.

• Has Traveling to the UK From Other Countries Changed?

If you travel to the UK from Europe, you can use a pet passport as you still have “ Part 1 listed ” status. It’s a good idea to check if your country is Part 1, 2, or not listed , as each will have different entry requirements.

You’ll need a pet health certificate if you’re from a Part 2 listed country, such as the USA. It is similar to an AHC; it must be filed within 10 days by a licensed vet before leaving the UK. Like with an AHC, your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated, and have received a rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment if it is a dog. If you’re coming from Australia with a cat or Malaysia with a cat or dog, there are more rules you will need to follow, so make sure to research this before leaving.

If your country isn’t on the list, you will need a pet certificate as well, and there are specific rules you’ll need to follow regarding vaccinations, blood tests, and the rabies vaccination.

If you forget to file all the forms or your pet fails to meet all the proper criteria, it might have to undergo a quarantine period when you arrive in the UK. Additionally, certain dog breeds are banned in the UK, so be sure your pup isn’t on the list.

• Final Thoughts

When you travel outside of the UK, there are a few things you will need to organize , and the sooner you get them sorted, the easier your travel plans will be. Instead of a pet passport, you need an Animal Health Certificate to travel within Europe and Northern Ireland. If your pet doesn’t have the right documents to prove they are safe to travel, you will have to leave them behind.

• How to Get a Canadian Pet Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Get a US Pet Passport? Expert Guide & Tips
• Vets 4 Pets

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About the Author

Kerry-Ann Kerr

Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow but thinks her dogs probably wouldn’t like that idea very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was poorly with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up.

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How To Get a UK Pet Passport In 2024 (Complete Guide)

A lot changed in January 2021, when the United Kingdom left the European Union (EU), including the documentation you need to travel from the UK to the rest of the EU with your pet. Thankfully, pets from the UK aren’t required to go into quarantine upon arrival in one of the EU countries, but they do need to have an Animal Health Certificate.

Before Brexit happened, a pet passport allowed UK pets to travel with their owners freely to and from the rest of the EU. The pet passport showed that the pet was up to date on all the vaccinations that they needed to be able to travel and that they were microchipped. However, they’re no longer valid post-Brexit.

Requirements have also changed for pets traveling into the UK from other countries. Read on below to find out more.

You can click on the title of your interest to navigate this article:

• Animal Health Certificate vs Pet Passport

How To Get an Animal Health Certificate

Frequent asked questions.

• Additional Tips
• How Does an Animal Health Certificate Differ from a Pet Passport?

Since Brexit, the EU has moved the UK from its status in the Pet Travel scheme of “Part 1 listed” to “Part 2 listed,” meaning that pet passports are no longer valid for pets traveling from the UK to the rest of the EU. They now require an Animal Health Certificate that has a few more requirements and restrictions attached to it than the old pet passports scheme.

Instead of having one pet passport that shows your pet’s vaccination record and proof of microchipping, an Animal Health Certificate shows details about your pet’s microchip, records of their vaccinations and tapeworm treatment, as well as information on their age, breed, and size. It will also have your details as the owner of the pet. You will only be able to apply for an Animal Health Certificate once your pet is 15 weeks old.

Another change is that UK pet owners are no longer able to travel freely with their pets in and out of the EU as the Animal Health Certificate is only valid for 4 months. The requirements also involve getting your pet vaccinated at least 21 days before your trip, and it can only be issued by a vet within 10 days before you leave.

Although a lot more planning will need to go into your next trip out of the UK and into the EU, getting an Animal Health Certificate isn’t complicated.

• 1. Get Your Pet Microchipped

If your pet isn’t already microchipped, this is the first place to start on your road to getting an Animal Health Certificate, as one won’t be issued to you unless this procedure has been done. A microchip is required for immigration officers to link your pet to the documents you’ve presented them with.

• 2. Get Them Vaccinated

You’ll need to get your pet up to date on all their vaccinations at least 21 days before your trip, so you’ll need to plan your vet visit carefully. Be sure to tell your vet where you plan on traveling to so that they can get the appropriate vaccinations.

• 3. Go Back to The Vet

21 days after your pet’s vaccinations, you’ll need to go back to the vet to get your Animal Health Certificate. However, the certificate needs to be issued to you within 10 days before your arrival. It will not be accepted if it was issued to you by your vet longer than 10 days prior to your arrival in the EU.

Your Animal Health Certificate is only valid if it was issued by an official veterinarian.

• Has Anything Changed for Pets Entering the UK from the EU?

There is no new documentation needed for pets traveling from the EU into the UK as they still have “Part 1 listed” status in the Pet Travel scheme. This means that EU pets can continue to travel to and from the UK with a pet passport, and an Animal Health Certificate isn’t necessary.

• How Can My Pet Get into The UK from Other Countries?

The type of documentation you’ll need for your pet to travel into the UK will differ depending on where you’re traveling from. If you’re traveling from a Part 1 listed country 1 , such as Norway or Iceland, you’ll need a pet passport, which you can get from your vet. It’ll show your pet’s identity and vaccination records, as well as their rabies blood test results.

If you’re traveling from a Part 2 listed country, such as the USA  2 or Australia, you’ll need a Great Britain pet health certificate as they don’t accept pet passports or Animal Health Certificates from Part 2 listed countries. This documentation is similar to an Animal Health Certificate as it’ll need to be completed by a licensed vet within 10 days of leaving for the UK. Your pet will need to be microchipped, receive their rabies vaccination, and get tapeworm treatment if your pet is a dog.

If your documents do not have the correct information or don’t meet the requirements upon arrival in the UK, your pet may have to undergo a quarantine period. Certain dog breeds are banned in the UK, so it’s important to look through that list to make sure your dog isn’t one of those.

• Can I Travel with All My Pets?

A family holiday with all your pets sounds like a wonderful time. However, if you have more than five pets that you’re planning on taking into the EU, you may have to change your plans. One owner can only apply for five Animal Health Certificates and no more. However, there is an exception for those training for a competition, sporting event, or show. However, you’ll need to provide proof of this by providing the registration for the event.

• Before You Travel

It is wonderful to be able to travel with your pet , but it’s important to know that the journey can be very stressful for them. Stress around traveling will be different from one individual pet to another, and most pets that have traveled since they were young should be fine. However, if your pet is highly anxious and may not do well in a new environment or around so many different people, consider leaving them at home in the environment they know with a family member or friend that they’re familiar with.

If your pet is comfortable with traveling , make sure you follow the requirements of the airline or mode of transport you’ll be using. Different airlines often have slightly different requirements around pet safety and carriers, etc. It is also important to check with the hotel or place you’ll be staying if they are pet friendly, as this isn’t always the case.

Before you leave the UK, check with your pet insurance whether they cover emergency vet bills abroad, as some policies have this benefit included and some don’t. In some cases, your policy may state that your pet will only be able to receive vet care abroad in certain countries and not in others. Instead of not being sure and ending up with a hefty vet bill, find out for your own peace of mind.

If you’re traveling from the UK to the EU, you will no longer be able to use a pet passport but, instead, an Animal Health Certificate. The same is true for pets traveling from other countries into the UK that don’t have “Part 1 listed” status. The change came about at the start of 2021 when the UK left the EU and was dropped to “Part 2 listed” status in the Pet Travel scheme.

The change has caused a bit more paperwork and planning for pet owners , but getting the correct documentation isn’t a complicated process.

• Related Read : How Much Does a UK Pet Passport Cost? Price Guide
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Pet Travel and Pet Relocation Services

With over 20 years of experience, our dedicated pet export team can arrange pet flight bookings out of the UK on any airline that accepts pets for travel, as well as being able to advise you on every aspect of your pet’s relocation from the UK –such as pet travel paperwork, the Pet Passport Scheme and information on the airlines and flights that will accept pets for travel. Our dedicated pet import team are on hand to advise you of the UK entry requirements for pets travelling into the UK, can provide customs clearance for pets being imported into the UK, check your pet travel paperwork in advance and arrange pet transportation services from the airport to your home.

Whether you are taking your pet abroad on holiday, relocating overseas with your pet or bringing your pet to the UK, with PBS Pet Travel you can rest assured that you’re dealing with one of the most established pet transporters in the world.

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Why choose PBS Pet Travel to relocate your pet?

At PBS Pet Travel, we understand that your pets are precious cargo. Our pet relocation experts have extensive knowledge and a genuine love of animals, which means we will go the extra mile for our clients and their furry, feathered or even scaly family members. Arranging pet relocation requires far more than experience alone – which is why all members of the PBS Pet Travel Team are passionate, dedicated, considerate and most importantly – caring; qualities that separate us from the rest.

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We are all animal lovers at PBS Pet Travel, where pet exporting and pet importing is not just a service we offer, but a commitment we make. We all have our own pets and we even bring our dogs to work with us – just check out our facebook page! So we truly understand how significant your pet is to you. We absolutely relish in being able to assist in reuniting families with their cherished companions, whether it involves pet importing or pet exporting.

Our approach to pet shipping goes beyond mere tasks; it is our passion and our high standard of customer care and compassion underlines this. We firmly believe in quality, not quantity. So, when booking your pet relocation with us, whether it’s for pet exporting or pet importing, we can guarantee that you will get more value than what you pay for.

Personal Pet Travel Service

When you book your pet with PBS Pet Travel, you will be assigned your very own personal pet travel specialist, who will look after your pet’s relocation from start to finish. Just like us humans, we know that every pet is different and has specific needs, which is why our service is tailor-made to suit each and every client. We offer a fully comprehensive door-to-door service which is popular amongst clients who are looking for a pet relocation company to assist with all aspects of their pet’s move overseas. However, our basic service better suits those who are already familiar with the main aspects of pet travel. Either way, we will be sure to mould our service to suit your individual pet relocation needs and you can relax as we arrange your pet’s flight, pet transportation, customs clearance for pets travelling to the UK, pet export veterinary paperwork, and much more.

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Pet travel flight crates delivered to your door in advance

Getting animals used to their airline-approved travel crates PRIOR to your pet’s relocation or dog travel , cat travel , and other pet transport, is a huge factor towards reducing your pet’s anxiety on the day of travel. Many pet relocation and pet transport companies will completely overlook this fact, however, at PBS Pet Travel we cannot stress enough how important it is for your pet to have plenty of time to get acclimatized to the airline approved travel crate. And because animal safety, comfort and welfare is our main priority, as soon as you have booked your pet flight or your pet transport with us, we will arrange to deliver the travel crate to you on an overnight delivery service to anywhere in the UK, giving your pet the time it needs to get accustomed to being inside the crate – please visit our Pet Travel Crate page for more details.

PBS Pet Travel Team

We appreciate that relocating your pets can be an extremely stressful and worrying experience. This is why our UK import pet travel team and our international pet export specialists will take the time to listen to your needs and discuss your concerns – as often as you need. We will provide you with complete guidance and support, giving you the confidence and reassurance you need. Our friendly and efficient team of pet shipping experts are there for you and your pet wholeheartedly, ensuring a safe, smooth and stress-free journey for all.

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Do you need a taxi for you & your pet.

We can help! European Pet Travel will get you there safely & in comfort. From any major UK or European Airport.

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At European Pet Travel we safely transport your pets across the UK and Europe in our DEFRA standard vehicles. Operating 24/7 to transfer all creatures great and small via the Eurotunnel. Whether your an expat who’s relocating, or you’d like to bring your pet on holiday, European Pet Travel allows you to travel safely and securely with your animals. 

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Our drivers speak many languages such as:

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Why choose european pet travel.

We provide a fleet of air conditioned vehicles, including estate vehicles, that can be either 6 or 8 seaters. We are able to offer Executive travel to our clients, please contact for more information. You and your pet can sit back and relax during your journey as our professional drivers transport you to your destination safely and on time. Your pet stays with you at all times in the comfort of one of our pet taxis. 

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If English isn't your first language, our expert drivers are fluent in multiple languages.

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With years of taxiing experience, you can enjoy the journey without stress.

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Expect nothing but first class service from Brussels to Bristol or Paris to Plymouth.

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We provide a fleet of air conditioned vehicles, including estate vehicles, that can be either 6 or 8 seaters. We are able to offer Executive travel to our clients, please contact for more information. You and your pet can sit back and relax during your journey as our professional drivers transport you to your destination safely and on time. Your pet stays with you at all times in the comfort of one of our pet taxis. 

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Our process.

For more clarity, see how we operate from the start of the journey to the end. 

Book your journey with us by filling out our quotation form and arrange for one of our CRB vetted drivers to meet you and your pet. 

After scheduling a pet transfer, one of our specialist drivers will pick you and your pet up from a previously agreed location.

Our professional drivers will make sure that both you and your pet arrive at your final destination safely. 

Pet Travel FAQ

No, we are a pet taxi service and can take you and your pets through Eurotunnel to your detination, in the UK or Europe and major European airports.

We can transport your pet all over the UK, Europe and if needed international pet transport is available. Get in touch if you have a specific destination and we will be happy to give you a bespoke quote for your pet travel.

We will collect your pet from your chosen location, which can be agreed upon through our pet travel booking process. 

To bring a dog into the UK it must have been microchipped and this must be done prior to necessary inoculations/vaccinations*

All dogs must have had a rabies injection at least 21 days prior to travel, they must also be wormed.  Once the animal has been given the worming medication (which must be done at a vets with a stamp on your pet passport that shows both the date AND time of medication given), you must then wait 24 hours before the animal can travel.  

The animal can then only enter the UK within 120 hours of the medication being given.

For European travel,  a valid pet passport with evidence of medication is needed – just like humans need visas or passports when travelling internationally. However, if an animal will be entering the UK from outside Europe then they’ll have additional requirements: proof of age (in some cases) and vaccinations; again similar to what human travellers would encounter during international flights.

*We would always recommend checking with DEFRA for all up to date pet travel regulations. 

You do not currently require any documentation to take a pet from the UK to Europe*

We have a range of executive vehicles to ensure comfort for you and your pet throughout your journey with us. This can be either our Mercedes Vito or BMW 5 Series.

We specialise in meeting our clients at any European airport, as our drivers have a lot of experience in travelling abroad. Just let us know your particular train station or airport.

Yes, our vehicles can accommodate more than one pet, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

This journey takes around 35 minutes, there may be some transfer time involved, if you are not with us we will contact you with an update on when you can expect your pet to be dropped off. 

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Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes

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Pet travel: airlines and airports you can use

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You can only use these carriers and routes approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency to bring your pet to England or Scotland. There are no approved routes to Wales.

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Updated the list of airlines and airports you can use for pet travel.

Changed London Heathrow (HARC) to London Heathrow (Animal Aircare) for the following airlines: Aer Lingus, Air India, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, EL Al Israel Airlines, Iberia, Iberia Express and Lufthansa

Added China Airlines Ltd to the list of commercial airlines you can use for pet travel.

We've updated the list of airlines and airports you can use for pet travel.

Updated the list of airlines and airports you can use.

The list of airlines and airports you can use for pet travel has been updated.

Gestair Aviation Malta has been removed from the commercial list as it should only come under charter airlines.

Added Norse Atlantic Airways AS and Norse Atlantic UK Ltd to the list of commercial airlines you can use for pet travel.

Updated instances of 'London Heathrow' to 'London Heathrow (HARC)' - Heathrow Animal Reception Centre.

Updated the list of charter airlines and airports.

Removed Doncaster Sheffield airport from list of airlines and airports as the airport has ceased handling pets ahead of its closure.

Updated list of airlines and airports you can use for pet travel.

Updated the 'To - airport' for Volkswagen Air Service, Harmony Jets and Flexflight. Added Blue Air Aviation SA to the commercial airlines table.

Updated list of airlines and airports you can use for pet travel

Updated the list of airlines and airports approved by APHA.

We have updated the list of airlines and airports approved by APHA.

Updated MHS Aviation's record in the pet airline and airport list.

Updated Elangeni GmBH record in the airline and airports list.

Updated the list of approved airlines and airports.

We have updated the list of approved airlines and airports.

Updated the lists of the transport companies and routes approved by APHA that you can use to bring your pet cat, dog or ferret to England, Scotland or Wales.

Updated the list of airlines and airports approved for pet travel.

Updated list of airports for United Eagle, EJME Portugal and Goldeck-Flug GmbH

Updated list of airlines and airports approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency to bring your pet to England or Scotland.

Updated lists of carriers and routes approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency to bring your pet to England or Scotland.

Removed Genel Havalik from the approved list of airlines for pet travel.

Updated list of APHA approved airlines and airports for pet travel.

Updated airlines approved for pet travel list

Updated list of approved charter airlines: ADM Aviation, Airgo Private Airline, Astonjet, Bartolini Air, Castle Air Ltd, DC Aviation Ltd, DC Aviation GmbH, Excellent Air, Glock Aviation, Initium Aviation, Jet Linx Aviation, Jet Service NL, PHS Aviation, Porsche Air Service GmbH, Saxonair Charter Ltd, Svenskt Industriflyg AB, Taespejo Portugal, Vistajet Ltd

Updated the list of airports you can use for pet travel.

Updated list of approved charter airlines.

Updated the list of airlines that can bring pets into the UK and removed sea route from Zeebrugge to Hull by P & O ferries.

Updated airlines and airports approved from pet travel list.

Updated list of approved airlines and airports list.

Updated the approved airline and airport list.

Updated approved airlines and airport list

Updated pet travel: airlines and airports you can use list.

Updated charter list

Updates to ADM Aviation, Excellent Air and Royal Air AB.

Updates to Sunset Aviation, Flying Group Luxemburg S.A., Presidential Aviation Inc, West Atlantic Aviation UK, Alto Aerospace, Flying Service N.V., Grafair Flight Management, Air Malta

Update to Naljets (removed) and FAI rent-a-jet AG.

Updates to Catreus AOC, Qatar Executive and PAD Aviation.

Update to Commercial Airlines: Flybe, Thomas Cook, Astraeus Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, IEG, Adria Airway, British Airways and TUI Airways.

Updates to: GlobeAir, Zenith Aviation, Aliserio, Jet Service NL, Taespejo Portugal, Flexjet Operations, United Eagle, PAD Aviation and Alpha Aviation.

Updates to: Jet Service NL, Super Legacy, Flexjet Operations Ltd, ADM Aviation, Eatis SAS, Svenskt-industriflyg, Synergy Aviation, PAD Aviation, Alpha Aviation, Star Wings, Flexjet, Alto Aerospace, Lufthansa and Qatar Executive.

Update to: Firma Fair Air, Baden Aircraft Operations, CFB Aircraft and Ball Corporation.

Updates to: Exxaero BV Netherlands, Qatar Executive, ADM Aviation, I Walk and Air Rutter.

Update to PAD Aviation, Air CM Global, Fort Aero, Talon Air, Ineos Aviation and ProAir Aviation.

Updated: RVL Group, PAD Aviation, AFS Alpine Flightservice, Black Eagle Havacilik, Pink Sparrow, Qatar Executive, Eatis SAS, Jetfly Aviation SA, and Quick Air Jet Charter.

Update to: United States Air Force, Acass San Marino SRL, PAD Aviation, Gama Aviation and Flightworks Inc.

Updates to Black Eagle Havacilik, Regency Jet Centre and Exxaero.

Updates to: SriLankan Airlines, Avcon Jet, Titan Airways, Pink Sparrow, Qatar Exrcutive, Metrojet, Executive Jet Management, Twinjet, Prime Jet and Air CM Global.

Minor updates to: Aliserio, Taespejo Portugal, Saxonair, 2Excel Aviation, Pink Sparrow and Ortac.

Update to: CTR Atmospherica Aviation, Air X Charter (Germany), Air X Charter, Pontair Ltd and Air Charter Scotland.

Minor change to: Regency Jet Ltd and Transavia

Minor update to: Netjets Transportes Aereos, Acass San Marino, H-Bird Aviation, Royalair AB and Acass Canada.

Updates to: Synergy Aviation Ltd, Valljet, Acass Ireland Ltd, Voluxis, Catreus AOC Ltd and Royalair AB.

Change to: Flexflight APS, Regency Jet Centre, Jet Concierge Club, Catreus, Acass Ireland Ltd and Sonas Aviation.

Updates to: Royalair AB, Rwandair, Goldeck Flug Gesellshaft, ACP Jet Charter, IX Air, Silver Cloud, Air Bohemia, Interflight Air Charter, Elitavia D.O.O, Elitavia Malta, Infinity Aviation, Worldwide Jet Charter, Sonas Aviation, Fort Aero, Luxaviation Germany, North Central Air Charter, Fort Aero AS, RVL Group, Aliserio and JetBee Czech.

Updated entries for: 2Excel Aviation Ltd and Regency Jet Centre.

Minor change to: Luxaviation Germany, Initium Aviation, Ortac (AOC) Ltd, Fort Aero, Alto Aerospace, Smart Jet, 2 Excel Broadsword and Jung Sky.

Updated entries for Taespejo Portugal, Luxaviation Germany, Hyperion Aviation, Deer Jet (Beijing), Voluxis, Sonas Aviation, Silver Cloud Air and Flexjet.

Minor update to: Jet Exchange Ltd, Hyperion Aviation, Jota Aviation, Alto Aerospace, Silver Cloud Air, Ejme, Netjets Aviation and Netjets Transportes.

Updated entries for North Central Air Charter, Elite Jet, Elitavia San Marino, Vistajet, Flairjet, Sovereign Business Jets, Taespejo, Headstart Aviation, Silver Cloud, RVL Group, Laudamotion, Sky X Airways, Sonas Aviation and Alto Aerospace Ltd.

Minor change to: Fort Aero, RVL Group, Flexjet Aviation, Exxaero (Netherlands), Initium Aviation, Exxaero (Germany), DBT Transportes, DBT Transportes Aereos (DB Aviation), Regency Jet Ltd and Taespejo

Changes to: Netjets Aviation, RVL Group, European Flight Service, Flying Service, Saxonair Charter, European Flight Service (Ravenair), Flying Group Lux SA, Blackbird Air, Premium Aviation and EJME (Portugal)

Minor change to Hyperion Aviation, Regency Jet, Sirio, Jet Linx Aviation, Gama Aviation, Initium Aviation, Flying Group Luxembourg and European Flight Service.

Minor changes to: Exxaero (Germany), Exxaero (Netherlands), ASL NV, Jetbee Czech, Bairline, Regency Jet, Jet Stream and Time Air.

Updated entries for Initium Aviation, Air Taxi and Charter International, Clipper National Air, OHL Air Chaterflug and Regency Jet Ltd.

Updated entries for Hyperion Aviation, Jetbee Czech, Meridian Air Company, Initium Aviation, Saxonair Charter, Sirio, Regency Jet Ltd, Netjets Aviation and Evolem Aviation.

Updated entries for Luxaviation UK, Air Hamburg, Avionord, Centreline, Exxaero (Netherlands), Exxaero (Germany), Flying Group Lux, Flying Service, Globeair, Hyperion Aviation, Aeroways and JetBee Czech.

Updated entries for Aeroways, Flying Service, Flying Group Lux, Capital Air Charter – Now Capital Air Ambulance, Air Alsie, Blackbird Air, Netjets Transportes Aereos, Netjets Aviation, Air Taxi and Charter International, Hyperion Aviation, Exxaero (Netherlands) and Exxaero (Germany).

Added entries for Exxaero Netherlands and Exxaero Germany.

Updated entries for Excellent Air, DBT Transportes Aereos Ltd, Albinati Aviation Ltd, Flying Group Luxemburg S.A, Flying Service N.V., Air Charter Scotland, Air Hamburg, Initium Aviation, Air Charter Scotland, Gama Aviation, NetJets Transportes Aereos SA, EJME Aircraft Management, Jet Service NL B.V., Air CM Global Ltd and Aeroways.

Updated entries for Aeroways GmbH, Initium Aviation, Air Swisslion RD, Sky X Airways, Netjets Aviation (US), EJME (Portugal) Aircraft Mgment, Netjets Transportes Aereos SA, Pool Aviation, DC Aviation GMBH, DC Aviation Ltd, Air Alsie A/S, Premier Private Jet, Madjet Transportes Aereos, S.A, Sky X Airways, K5 Aviation, Jet Service NL.BV, Meridian Air Charter, Omni Aviation, Flying Service N.V., Copenhagen Air Taxi A/S, Windsor Media Inc, Lyon Aviation, EJME Aircraft Management, NetJets Aviation Inc, NetJets Transportes Aereos SA and SaxonAir Charter Ltd.

Minor change to: Jet Service NL B.V. Farnborough, Initium Aviation Doncaster Sheffield, Silver Cloud Air Glasgow, Omni Avviac ao e Technologia Glasgow, Gama Aviation Glasgow, Air Jet Sul London Gatwick

Minor changes to: Grafair London Stansted, Private Wings Leeds Bradford, Air Jet Sul Gloucestershire, Liverpool, London Ashford, Manchester, Sylt Air Manchester, Flying Service Liverpool, London Gatwick, Oxford, Flying Group Lux Liverpool, London Gatwick, Oxford, Initium Aviation London Biggin Hill, Sky X Airways Cambridge, Farnborough, London Biggin Hill, Jet Service NL B.V. Cambridge, Liverpool, Swan Aviation & Tourism Inc Farnborough, Dasnair SA Farnborough, Pro Jet GmbH Glasgow.

Made changes to: Pro Jet GmbH, Removed Estonian Air, TUI (formerly Thomsonfly and Thomson Airways), Removed Air Medical Ltd, Flairjet, Star Wings Dortmund,

Updated entries for Netjets Aviation Inc (US), Airjetsul, Saxonair charter Ltd, Sylt Air and Aerowest GmbH.

Updated entries for Air Transat, Air Jet Sul, ABS Jets, Globeair AG, Jetfkly Aviation, Lydd Air Ltd and Netjets. Removed entries for Cobalt, Monarch Airlines, US airways, Cyprus, Britannia, FlyLAL and Maersk Air Cargo.

Updated entries for Blink Ltd, Marshall Executive Aviation, Zettajet, My Travel, Star Wings, Xclusive Jet Charter, Air Charter Scotland, Air Pink, Airgo Private Airline, Dragonfly Aviation Services, European Flight Services, Globeair, Jet Concierge Club and Smartjet

Updated entries for Valair Private Jets, Amira Air, Laudamotion Executive, AFS Flight Servcies, Alpine Flightservice, Hummingbird Europe and Pen Avia.

Updated entries for Initium Aviation, Fiba Air Hava, Fai Rent-a-Jet, Valair Private Jets, Gama Aviation, ASL NV, Air CM Global Ltd Synergy Aviation, ACM Air Charter, Air Independance, Astraeus Airlines, Aviation Link, Elit’Avia Ltd, Elitavia San Marino, Elitavia Slovenia, Finesse Executive, Jet Netherlands, Longtail Aviation, Muyi Consulting Inc, National Jets Inc, Pegasus Elite Aviation, Private Air and Volare Aviation.

Updated entries for Aeroways Gmbh, Baden Aircraft Operations, Air Canada, Eisele Flugdienst GMBH, Vistajet and Head Start Aviation.

Updated entries for White Cloud Charter LLC, Luxaviation Germany GmbH, Projet GMBH, Synergy Aviation Ltd, Centreline AV Ltd, Jung Sky, Get1Jet, Time Air sro, Projet, Aeroways GMBH, Jetfly Airline GmbH, Aeroways GMBH, Pentastar Aviation, JSC Rossiya Airlines and Aeroways Gmbh

Updated entries for Flying Service, Jet Service NL.BV, International Jet Management, Synergy Aviation, Executive jet Management, Flying Service, E-Aviation (Eisele Flugdienst), Flying Group Luxemburg S.A., Aeroways GmbH and PRO JET.

Updated airport entries for the airlines: Channel Jets, Jet Service NL B.V, Flying Group Lux, Flying Partners and Sylt Air.

Updated entries for jetfly Aviation, The Little Jet Company, Saxon Air Charter, Jet Concierge, Hahn Airlines, Luxaviation UK, Xclusive Jets, Avcon Jet AG, Get1Jet, Air Charter Scotland, Hendell Aviation, Aliserio, Worldwide Jet Charter and Aerowest.

Updated entry for The Air Ministry.

Updated airline entries for Royal jet, Avcon jet and Blue square aviation group Malta.

Updated entries for airlines: Luxaviation Germany, Avcon Jet AG, Arcus Air GmbH & Co, Turkish Airlines, Keystone Aviation, Get1Jet, Blue Square Aviation Group Malta Ltd and updated sea cruise entry for Oceania Cruises.

Updated the entries for airlines: Aliserio, Klass-Jet and Luxaviation Germany and removed Eurofly Service.

Amended entries for Skyfirst, Carlisle Air Corporation and International Jet Management GmbH.

The following airlines have been added to this page: Get 1 jet, NOMAD aviation AG, Luxaviation UK and Air Charter Scotland.

Updated entries for Carlisle Air Corporation, Keystone Aviation, Get1Jet, Continental, United, Xclusive Jet Charter and Imperial Jet Europe.

Updated entries for Sunwest Aviation Ltd, Gary Jet Center, Pontair, Sunwest Aviation, Nomad Aviation AG, Jet Concierge, Air Alsie, Albinati Aeronautics, Skybridge International Balkan, Luxaviation UK, Air Europa, Air Swisslion Rd, Arena Aviation and Carlisle Air Corporation.

Updated the entries for Airlines: PHS Aviation, Air Alsie, 2 Excel Broadsword, Air Alsie, Luxwing, Luxaviation UK, Voluxis and Gama Aviation (UK) Ltd.

Updated entries for Luxwing, Gama, Catreus, Execaire, Elite Jet, Hangar 8, Oasis Flight, Oasis Flight Malta, Laudamotion (previously Amira Air), Fly Alpha GmbH, Baden Aircraft Operations, Jetfly Aviation, Aeroways, Skybridge International Balkan, AMC Aviation, T-air Spol and San Marino Executive Aviation.

Updated airline charter entries for PHS, DAS Private Jets, San Marino Executive Aviation, Aeroways GmbH, Luxaviation Germany, ProAir Aviation, Taespejo Portugal, Excellent Air, Smart Jet, Elite Jet, The Air Ministry, DAS Private Jets, EJME (Portugal), Netjets Aviation Inc, Netjets Transportes Aereos SA, Time Air and AMC Aviation. Also amended the commercial entry for Emirates.

Updated airline and airports entries for PHS, Windsor Jet Management, Albinati Aviation, PHS, VIP Flight and Executive Jet Management.

Updated entries for Elitavia San Marino SRL, Elitavia Malta Ltd, Elivatia d.o.o., Centreline AV Ltd, Aerowest GmbH, Jet Ready, Saxonair Charter Ltd, PHS and Volkswagen AirService GmbH.

Updated entries for PHS, Polaris Aviation, GrafAir Flight Management AB and MHS Aviation GmbH.

Amended entries for airlines: Polaris Aviation, SAS Astonjet, Smart Jet and Ortac (AOC) Limited.

Updated entries for FlyGAC A/S, World Wide Charter Jet, Eagle Express, Catreus, Global Air Charters, Smart Jet, Yourways and PHS.

Updated entries for Jetflite OY, Air Hamburg, Infinity Aviation.

Updated entries for Star Wings Dormtund, Ortac (AOC) Limited, Fayair, Air Pink, Jet Concierge Club, Voluxis (formerly Interflight Air Charter) and Laudamotion Executive (formerly Laudamotion).

Updated entries for Acass and Jet Aviation Flight Services (Malta) Ltd.

Updated entries for Jet Aviation Business, Jet Aviation Flight Services (Malta), Jet Concierge Club, Planet Nine Private Air, Smart Jet, SAS Astonjet and H-Bird Aviation Services.

Updated entries for: Synergy Aviation Ltd, Jet Concierge Club, Jet Aviation Business Jets AG, VistaJet Limited, Jet Concierge Club, SaxonAir Charter Limited, Flybe, Titan Airways Limited, Emperor Aviation and Avcon Jet.

Entries updated for Worldwide Jet Charter, Jet Exchange Ltd, Hahn Airlines, Infinity Aviation, Prince Aviation, Silesia Air, Goldeck-Flug Gesellschaft m.b.H, Lyon Aviation, Air Pink, Jetfly Aviation, Pro Air Aviation, Blink Ltd, JetNetherlands, China Airlines, Time Air s.r.o, Harmony Jets and Interflight Air Charter.

Updated entries for Smart Jet, Newcastle Aviation Ltd, Elitavia San Marino, Elitavia Slovenia, Elitavia Malta, Avionco Ltd, Infinity Aviation, Keystone Aviation, International jet Management, Pro Air Aviation, and Icelandair.

Updated entries for Elitavia Malta, Elitavia San Marino, Elitavia Slovenia, Smart Jet, Saxon Air Charter, Jet Concierge Club, PHS, Constellation Aviation Services, Flexjet and TRTO agency.

Updated entries for Cobalt, Planet Nine, Jet Concierge, Elitavia San Marino, Saxonair Charter ltd and Smart Jet.

Entries updated for: LaudaMotion, Cobalt, Jet Netherlands, Luxaviation & Execujet, Air X Charter (Germany), Saxonair Charter Limited, Corporate Flight Management, Executive Jet Management, Smart Jet and RVL Group

Updated entries for Netjets Aviation, Ejme (Portugal) Air Management, Netjets Transportes, Interflight Air Charter, Global Air Charters, Eisele Flugdienst, AirGo private airline, RVL group, Air X Charter (Germany), AirGo Private Airline, Planet Nine Private Air, Jetflight Aviation, Silk way business aviation and TWC Aviation.

Updated entries for Eisele Flugdienst, Omni Air Transport, klasJet, AirGo, Charter Jets, Air X Executive Jet, Elytra Charter, Set Air / Setair Hava, Airlink Airways, Jetfly Aviation, Maleth-Aero and Interflight Air Charter.

Updated entries for: Pro Airways, Set Air, Stolting Air Services, Air X Charter (Germany), Air X Charter Ltd, Amjet Executive, EJME (Portugal), Netjets Aviation (US), Netjets Transportes SA and SAS Astonjet.

Updated entries for Hahn Air Lines, Atlas Air, Air X Charter (Germany), Air X Charter and Omni Aviation.

Updated entries for Jet Pool Network, Éclair Aviation, FlyGac, Jetfly Aviation, Evolum Aviation, Setair Hava, Air X Charter (Germany), Air X Charter Ltd, Virgin Atlantic and Hahn Air Lines.

Updated entries for Jung Sky, Lyddair, Hendell Aviation Oy, Globe Air, Aero-dienst, Air Bohemia, Air X Charter Ltd, Air X Charter (Germany) & Co KG and Oman Air.

Updated entries for Zenith Aviation, 2Excel Aviation, Star Wings, Sunset Aviation and Sundt Air.

Updated entries for Kuwait Airways, International Jet Management, Starjets Aviation and Stolting Air Service.

Updated entries for Stolting Air Services, Aeropa, Silver Cloud Air, Air Bohemia, Stajets and Primera Air Scandinavia.

Updated entries for Blink Ltd, Copenhagen Air Taxi, Air Bohemia, Aeropa and Jet Exchange.

Updated entries for Centreline, Air Bohemia, Silver Cloud, Jet Exchange Ltd, Whitewind Company, Journey Aviation, Jetkey SAS, MS Aviation, Eisele Flugdienst, Arcus Air and Jetfly Aviation.

Updated entries for K5 Aviation, Sirio, Air Bohemia, Valair Private Jets, Ejme (Portugal), Netjets Tansportes, Netjets Aviation, Atlas Air Service AG, Silver Cloud Air and K5 Aviation.

Updated entries for Saxonair, BZ Air, Air Bohemia, Eisele Flugdienst, Lions Air, Bluelink Jets, Hendell Aviation Oy, ACP Jet Charters, Air Charter Scotland, AirGo Private Airlines, Saxonair, Sovereign Business Jets, Zenith Aviation and Rulers Flight Sharjah.

Updated entries for Air Bohemia, Galaxy Airways, Dubai Air Wing, JetBee Czech and Skyline Aviation SRL.

Updated entries for Lyon Aviation, Sirius-Aero Ltd, Air Bohemia, Royal Jet, Galaxy Airways and TCC Air Services.

Updated entries for North Flying AS, Arcus Air, 2Excel Aviation, Jetnetherlands, Sovereign Businsess Jets, Skyline Aviation, Imperial jet Europe and Silver Cloud

Entries updated for North Flying AS and Head Start Aviation.

Updated entries for Hahn Air Lines, Bluelink Jets, Cobalt, Jet Exchange, Journey Aviation and Blink Ltd

Updated the entries for Fiba Air Hava Tasimacilik and Skyfirst.

Updated the entries for Firefly Entertainment and Elilombarda.

Updated entries for Speedfly, SAS Astonjet, Air CM Global, MNG Jet Havacilik, and Fiba Air Hava Tasimacilik

Amended entries for Air CM Global Ltd, Eisele Flugdienst, Oman Air, MNG Jet Havacilik, Genel Havacilik and Fiba Air Hava Tasimacilik

Updated entries to Speedwings, Spree Flug, Zenith Aviation, SAS Astonjet, ACP Jet Charters, Prime Service italia, Hahn Airlines and IX Air.

Updated the entries for Laudamotion, Hahn Airlines and AirGo Private Airlines.

Updated the entries for Delta Private Jets, AirGo Private Airline, Newcastle Aviation, Flairjet, Hahn Airlines and Naljets.

Updated entries for Arcus Air and Swiss Jet Ltd.

Amendments made to entries for Swiss Jet Ltd and Bairline.

Amendments made to entries for Firefly Entertainment, Zenith Aviation, Catreus, Oceanskies Aero Ltd, Valljet, Empire Aviation and Mistral Aviation.

Updated the airline entries for ABC Bedarfsflug, Monza, Valair, Bly Halkin, Privatair, Das Private Jets, TJS (Malta) Ltd, Monacair, European Flight Service, Alpine Flightservice and ABS Jets.

Made changes to the entries for: Qatar Executive, TJS(Malta)Ltd, 2Excel Aviation and Monacair.

Entries for Air Hamburg, Executive Jet Management, Catreus, Qatar Executive, Hahn Air Lines, CCF Manager Airline and Air Alsie updated.

Amended entries for CTR Flight Services, Hahn Airlines, Globeair and Sylt Air.

Amended the airline list entries for CTR Flight Services, AirGo Private Airline, Éclair Aviation and Hahn Airlines.

Amended the airline list entries for Jetkey Aviation, Execujet Europe AG, Nomad Aviation AG, American Airlines, Top Jets, Jet Aviation Flight Services, S & K Bermuda Ltd, Global Jet, Acass Canada & Acass Europe.

Amended the airline list entries for Artjet, Acass, Fly Vectra, Catreus and Air Hamburg.

Amended the airline list entries for Air Hamburg, Volare Aviation, Nomad Aviation and Vistajet.

Amended the airline list entries for Star Wings, Friedkin Aviation, Jetcapital, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, United Airlines and Executive Jet Charter.

Added Seasky, Acass Canada Ltd and Acass Europe Srl and updated entries for Airgo Private airline and Sovereign Business Jets to the approved airline list.

Amended entries for WaltAir, Airstream, Aliparma SRL, Air France-KLM, Executive Jet Management and Eurofly Service.

Added Servicios Aereos to the list of approved air carriers.

Updated the chartered airline routes for Star Wings and Private Jet Company.

Updated the charter airline Star Wings and the Santander to Portsmouth ferry route.

Renamed Advanced Air Management to Zettajet (charter airline) and amended the Le Havre to Portsmouth ferry route companies.

Updated the chartered airline routes for AFS Flight Service, Air Hamburg and Jet Aviation Flight Services.

Added Air Pannonia and Friedkin Aviation to the list of approved charter airlines.

Updated the airlines/airports list.

Updated the airlines and airports list.

Updated entries for the air routes.

Updated the charter airline details for: Westair Aviation, Executive Jet Management, Flying Group, Jetfly Aviation, London Executive Aviation, Naljets - charter, Volare Aviation, Westair Aviation

Made changes to the airlines and airports document.

Updated the charter airline details for: Infinity aviation, Trans-Exec Air Service (previously Trans-Exec Private Jets), Arcus Air, Colin Ferns and Exxaero International BV.

Amended entries for airlines Time Air and Executive Jet Management.

Updated the charter airline entries for Time air and vistajet.

Updated the approved air routes and charter air routes documents.

Updated the air charter routes and approved air routes.

Pet travel: charter routes by air (other air routes) updated.

Updated the charter air routes and approved air routes lists.

Charter routes by air updated.

Updated charter routes by air (other air routes) and approved air routes.

Updated the document: charter routes by air (other air routes).

Pet travel: charter routes by air (other air routes) document updated.

Updated the pets travel charter routes by air document

Latest list of charter routes by air (other air routes) has been published.

Updated the approved air routes document.

Latest version of Pet travel: approved air routes and latest version of Pet travel: charter routes by air (other air routes) published.

Latest air and air charter routes published.

Latest version of Pets air charter routes published.

Updated with latest approved air routes and charter routes lists.

Latest pet travel: charter routes by air (other air routes) published

Latest charter routes by air (other air routes), published

Latest list of approved routes published

Latest list of charter routes by air (other air routes) published.

Latest charter routes by air (other air routes) published.

First published.

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"All went very well and my parents and aunt were impressed with the care and organization of the people they met on each end. Thanks so much! Gigi is settling in and has no issues with her crate after the trip."

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"Samantha is doing quite well. We were very pleased with your service. She is a very important member of our family and we were very stressed about her being on such a long flight. Thanks to all the personal assistance you gave me to prepare her, everything turned out better than we could have expected. If we should ever need to fly out pet again, I can’t imagine using any other service. I would highly recommend Starwood Animal Transport to everyone!"

"Thank you very much for your help in getting Cricket here. We are so happy to have him here and he is settling in. Of course the journey was long but he is now back to being his usual self. You really did make the entire process very smooth and easy and we never had to worry about anything. Thanks a lot!"

"After getting our family back (2 Goldens) from NY to London Gatwick I have to congratulate you and your global team for achieving what is no small achievement. Your service in managing the paperwork, the customs clearance, selecting the best airline and route and hand holding the vets through this timely but critical process was, I am sure the only reason everything went through without delay or undue stress. Thanks to you and to all of your team. You are a service benchmark."

"Thanks to Starwood Animal Transport, our first experience moving our dog internationally was a very successful one! The communication throughout the entire process was prompt, clear and comforting. Kudos to Ross, Sherry and Nick for providing great customer service.I do believe that in the end, our dog had better care and travel arrangements than we did. I highly recommend Starwood and will certainly use them again in the future."

"Blake and Raven had a wonderful journey. I don't think the trip phased them in the least. They are happily settled and enjoying life in Georgia. Kenny did a wonderful job taking care of them both. He was very conscience and caring, and made sure they were fine before leaving. I will definitely recommend your business to anyone needing to relocate their pet family."

"Greg and I wanted to thank you very much for all your work to get Pepper safely back to Australia.I know that we bombarded you guys with a lot of anxious emails at one of your busiest times of the year. We wanted to put on the record that we sincerely thank you for all your guidance and patience with us, and especially for taking on Pepper’s move at a time when we were having trouble getting traction with another service provider – you got us back on track, and very quickly."

"A very BIG thank you to you all! The trio arrived safe and sound this morning around 2am and they were absolutely fine. They seem to have settled well into their new home as if nothing ever happened. I so appreciate all the hard work, care and professionalism that made this relocation happen. 'Starwood' is on my top list of favourites and shall make sure everyone that is ever wanting to relocate pets shall know about you all!"

"The people you used at each step were wonderful. The girl who picked him up in Houston was wonderful. The man who delivered him here in Dubai – equally great. I know this is something you and your team do on a regular basis – but obviously this isn’t something we do – and to have our little dog with us here in our new home in Dubai makes our apartment here, our home! Of course, I shall recommend you to anyone wishing to fly a pet – and when it’s time for us to fly home, I’ll be in touch."

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Milo the Melbourne Airport escapee reunites with owners in UK after weeks on the run

A dog at the centre of a major search effort after escaping animal transport handlers at Melbourne Airport has finally been reunited with his owners in Wales.

Milo the Jack Russell cross is settling into his new home in the United Kingdom after sparking a 17-day search and rescue effort in the industrial estate in Tullamarine .

"He was so excited to meet Nick and I today," said a relieved owner, Jason Whatnall.

"The hype and everything that's led up to this, I think it's all been a big adventure for him."

The international fugitive made headlines after Mr Whatnall took to social media appealing for the community to help find his lost furry friend.

He had only been at the airport for half an hour when he managed to escape his handler and race off.

A specialist animal rescuer came on board, driving around the industrial estate playing a recording of Mr Whatnall's voice through a speaker while businesses left food out to help keep him nourished and to try to lure him out of hiding.

Eventually, Milo was spotted sleeping underneath a shipping container and, with the aid of a special trap stocked with doggy treats, his life on the run came to a halt.

"Getting that call was a huge sigh of relief," Mr Whatnall said.

"Obviously being in the UK, I felt quite helpless and couldn't be there to search for Milo myself but thankfully the volunteers and community members stepped up to the plate."

Milo — who had lost 1.5 kilograms since going missing — was this week successfully loaded onto a plane to London and transported onto his new home in Wales where Mr Whatnall and his partner Nick were waiting.

"[Milo] was just crying and squeaking with delight, he couldn't wait to get out of the cage," Mr Whatnall said.

"He ran straight to Nick, we had cuddles and there's tears flowing and he jumped right up into my arms.

"We did it inside a house so it was safe, so we could really release him without him taking off for part two in London."

Mr Whatnall said the trio spent their first day back together playing and "hanging out".

"I think it's all catching up with him now," he said.

"He's a bit jet-lagged and needs a good sleep." 

Mr Whatnall said he planned on spoiling Milo with treats, including chicken and his favourite food, as the family forged a new life abroad.

Crafty canine 'would just bolt'

Animal rescuer Nigel Williamson and his colleague spent more than 84 hours combing the industrial estate.

He said Milo was an elusive target.

"While he was at large, he wouldn't go near anybody at all, we couldn't get within 300 metres of him — he saw a person and he would just bolt," Mr Williamson said.

"Once we had him out of the trap, he became very, very friendly and he returned back to his normal self."

Mr Williamson said he believed Milo used his Jack Russell instincts to hunt out rats and rabbits, and sifted through rubbish bins to find food.

He said a colleague who spent 39 hours staking out the shipping container yard made a video call to Mr Whatnall as soon as they retrieved Milo.

"Whether or not he recognised him or not, I'm not sure,": he said.

"[But] Milo was able to hear Jason's voice straight away and see him on the phone."

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Runaway pet dog who missed his flight to the uk found almost three weeks after disappearance.

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Politics latest: PM doesn't rule out July election - and gives his reaction to latest Channel deaths hours after Rwanda bill passes

Rishi Sunak twice declines to rule out going to the country in July; the PM's flagship Rwanda bill has passed through parliament, but a minister has acknowledged further challenges to the controversial legislation are "inevitable".

Tuesday 23 April 2024 14:17, UK

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• PM to deliver news conference in Poland shortly
• Small boat crossings must stop 'out of compassion more than anything else', PM says
• Sunak in Poland with chancellor and defence secretary
• Challenges to Rwanda bill 'inevitable', minister says - but declares government will 'overcome them'
• Five deaths on migrant boat trying to cross Channel hours after legislation passes
• Live reporting by  Ben Bloch

In a short while, Rishi Sunak will give a press conference in Warsaw, Poland.

The PM will speak alongside the NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg.

The PM will announce that the UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 - something he has been under vast pressure at home to do.

The pledge will come on the heels of an announcement of a new £500m military aid package to Ukraine in its war against Russia alongside the UK's largest provision of munitions so far.

We'll have live coverage of the news conference across Sky News, and follow updates here in the Politics Hub.

As we reported a short while ago, Rishi Sunak is set to announce an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030 (see previous post).

The formal announcement is expected to be made in a press conference alongside NATO's secretary general this afternoon.

Reaction is starting to come in to the news, and it has been warmly welcomed by the former armed forces minister.

James Heappey MP wrote on X: "All eyes on the PM's press conference. This is ENORMOUS news and hugely needed in the MoD [Ministry of Defence].

By Deborah Haynes , security and defence editor

The UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030, the prime minister is will to announce, in a hardening of military policy at a time of growing threats.

The rise is less ambitious than some insiders say is needed, but it will mean tens of billions of additional pounds for the armed forces over the next six years.

Rishi Sunak had previously said any extra investment would only happen when economic conditions allow. That caveat is set to be removed.

The UK move comes at a time of escalating threats to global security posed by Russia's war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and an ever-more assertive China.

The "world is less safe than it has been in decades", the prime minister said, speaking earlier in the day on a trip to Poland, where he also revealed a new package of weapons, ammunition and £500m in funds for the Ukrainian armed forces ( read his full comments here ).

The UK currently spends just over 2% of GDP on defence, but it has recently started to include the money used to support Ukraine against Russia's full-scale invasion to boost – critics say artificially - this figure.

The expectation is that the rise in defence spending over the next six years would only be dedicated to the core Ministry of Defence budget - amounting to a total of tens of billions of pounds of additional money in total.

Defence insiders have long warned that new investment is urgently required to fill yawning gaps in capability across the army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force after decades of cost-saving cuts made by successive governments since the end of the Cold War.

There is also a need to revamp the ability to defend the homeland.

We've just been hearing from our political editor Beth Rigby  who has travelled to Poland with the prime minister.

She spoke to us from a military base where Rishi Sunak will meet with NATO's secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, followed by a joint press conference, which will come amid speculation the PM is set to make a bigger announcement on UK defence spending.

Beth said the PM is in Europe "to argue the case for increased funding for Ukraine, to see of the threat of an expansionist Russia".

The NATO defence spending target is 2% of GDP, and both Poland and the UK spend slightly above that, but Beth said given the chancellor was also on the plane, there is "speculation about whether the prime minister is about to make a bigger announcement on increasing defence spending".

"He's been under lots of pressure back at home to do so - we will find out later.

"But really, this is about the prime minister trying to refocus the eyes of the world back onto Ukraine, back onto that war with Russia as Europe sees this expansionist aggression on its borders".

She noted this trip and the announcement follow the US House of Representatives finally agreeing a vast package of support for Ukraine after months of delay.

Watch Beth's full report from Warsaw here:

The deputy head of the armed forces will become the UK's next national security adviser - marking the first time a senior military officer has held the powerful position.

General Gwyn Jenkins, a former director of special forces, will replace Sir Tim Barrow, who has reportedly been lined up to become the next British ambassador to the United States.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that General Jenkins would be taking on the national security role during a trip to Poland on Tuesday.

"I'm really pleased that Gwyn is going to do this job - in an incredibly uncertain and increasingly dangerous world, it's important the person doing this job has the requisite set of skills to provide advice to me and to help navigate that landscape," he told reporters.

The Royal Marines officer, who is close to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK's top military officer, has previously spent time working at Number 10 and had a brief stint as a deputy national security adviser. He is currently Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.

Mr Sunak said: "I'd just point out it's the first time we've had someone with a military background... we need someone in that job who can blend a range of different skills together, diplomatic, intelligence, military operations.

"I have worked with Gwyn very closely since I've been PM - he's first rate, the country is lucky to his service, the government is very lucky to have his advice and I'm really pleased he's going to be doing this job."

Referring to Sir Tim, the prime minister said: "I'm very grateful to Tim - who's here, who I've worked very closely with since I've done this job.... he's been at the heart of foreign policy with me and really strengthening the UK's alliances and making sure we are involved and engaged and influential on the world stage. So I am grateful to Tim."

Not everyone inside defence, however, was instantly happy with the announcement of the appointment of General Jenkins to the national security post.

"It could be good news but there's open astonishment from many," one defence source said, claiming that General Jenkins had been an advocate of cutting the strength of the armed forces.

A second source said: "He's a decent man, but… he's a tactician… Courageous, bold... but those are the qualities of tactician, not strategist. 

"His knowledge of strategic themes is very limited, and he seems dismissive of it. A bad sign."

The PM said yesterday that the government aims to start flights to Rwanda in the next 10-12 weeks, which means approximately early July.

There has been speculation that this might mean Rishi Sunak could decide to have the general election in July.

Asked by journalists on the plane to Poland if he would rule that out, he refused to do so - twice.

Mr Sunak said: "All I'm going to say is the same thing I say every time - as I said I think it was in the first week of January, my working assumption is an election in the second half of the year."

July is, of course, the seventh month in the year, so were he to announce an election for then, it would be consistent with what he has said.

By Beth Rigby , political editor, in Poland

Rishi Sunak warned the world is now "more volatile and dangerous" than at any time since the Cold War, as the prime minister embarked on a trip to Poland and Germany to discuss the threat of expansionist Russia and refocus the world's eyes back on to Ukraine.

Speaking to journalists on the flight over to Poland, the prime minister said we were "unfortunately living in a world that is more dangerous than we've known it in decade, probably more dangerous than the end of the Cold War", adding that this was why it was "important in that we do invest more in our defence and that's what we've been doing".

"My first priority is to keep people safe, and you're right, I have been honest with people that the world is less safe than it has been in decades and my job, indeed my obligation, is to invest to keep the country safe, and that's what I'm doing."

Announcing a further £500m of military support being sent to Ukraine - taking the UK's total support this year to £3bn - the prime minister told journalists he was "proud" the UK had led on supporting Ukraine and also told European allies it was "important" for Europeans to invest in security in these volatile times.

"We're stepping up because that is what the situation demands and requires," he said.

"And if we are joined by other European partners in that it is important that Europeans invest in their own security," he told Sky News.

Read the full story here:

By Adam Parsons, Europe Correspondent

The Human Rights Commissioner at the Council of Europe, which includes the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), has criticised the government's Rwanda's bill, saying it "raises major concerns" and has called for key clauses to be reversed.

Michael O'Flaherty, said he was "concerned" about the new law and said the British government should "refrain from removing people under the Rwanda policy".

Mr O'Flaherty, an Irishman who has spent his career working in the field of human rights, took over the role of commissioner earlier this month.

His role is to monitor human rights across the 46 members of the Council of Europe, and to make recommendations.

Although he is impartial, and not connected to the ECHR, the court is part of the Council of Europe.

He said: "Managing asylum and migration is undoubtedly a complex endeavour for states, but it must always be done in full compliance with international standards.

"In this regard, I am concerned that the Rwanda bill enables the implementation of a policy of removing people to Rwanda without any prior assessment of their asylum claims by UK authorities in the majority of cases.

"The United Kingdom government should refrain from removing people under the Rwanda policy and reverse the bill's effective infringement of judicial independence."

He said there was still a danger of migrants being deported from Rwanda back to countries from which they had fled - contrary to international law - and criticised the idea that ministers could decide whether or not to adhere to rulings by the EHCR, saying they are "binding".

He claimed that the Rwanda bill was part of a wider move, among European nations, to "externalise" asylum and migration policy, which he claimed, was "a matter of concern for the global system of protection of the rights of refugees".

Speaking to journalists on the plane to Poland, Rishi Sunak discussed the deaths of at least five people this morning who were trying to cross the Channel on a small boat.

The tragedy occurred just hours after the Rwanda bill cleared its final hurdle in parliament - a scheme the government argues will deter people from making the journey.

He said: "There are reports of sadly yet more tragic deaths in the Channel this morning.

"I think that is just a reminder of why our plan is so important because there's a certain element of compassion about everything that we're doing."

The PM reiterated the government's aim is to "prevent people making these very dangerous crossings", noting people smugglers are "packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies".

He continued: "This is what tragically happens when they push people out to sea and that's why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally."

Mr Sunak paid tribute to the UK Border Force, as well as the French authorities "who have cooperated as they always do to rescue people".

"But as I said, it underscores why you need a deterrent, very simply.

"People need to know that if they try and come here illegally they won't be able to stay, they'll be returned either to their own country or Rwanda.

"And I'm pleased that the bill has passed through parliament in the face of lots of Labour opposition, it was a late night."

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