pets travel scheme uk

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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

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows:

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

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

Criteria for a 'non-commercial' movement

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

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

Travel from a listed country (Part 1 and 2)

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

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

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

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

Rabies vaccination

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

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

DOGS only: Tapeworm treatment

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

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

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

Get an entry document issued

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

Part 1 listed countries

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

Part 2 listed and unlisted countries

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

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

Cats from Australia

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

Pets from Malaysia (Peninsula)

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

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

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

Travel from an unlisted country

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

Rabies serology test

To be valid this must:

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

What happens if there are problems with my paperwork?

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

• Section 1: Minor administrative errors by the issuing vet. No clarification from the issuing vet required and no further action required.
• Section 2: Errors with the paperwork that will require us to contact the vet for clarification before release. This will incur an administrative fee of £99.
• Section 3: Serious error with the paper work that could result in your pet needing to serve quarantine, or be re-exported to the country of origin. This also includes issues such as tapeworm re-treatment or new entry paperwork being issued. These will incur further charges.

Common problems

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

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

We often see entry paperwork where the vet has only stated the manufacturer, and not the product name. This will result in your pet being held at our facility until we can confirm this information from the vet who administered the vaccine, incurring a £99 administrative fee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequent issues with tapeworm treatment include:

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

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

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

What you must do to bring your pet dog, cat or ferret into the UK from the European Union (EU) and listed non-EU countries.

• Animal exports (Sub-topic)

Microchip your pet

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

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

Vaccinate your pet

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

Get pet travel documentation

If your pet is being prepared:

• in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport
• in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate. Please note that Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland also issue passports.

Treat your dog for tapeworm

Before entering the UK, a vet must treat your dog (including assistance dogs) for tapeworm. The treatment must be given no less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in the UK.

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

Arrange approved travel for your pet

Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country:

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

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Search the uk rules.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Checks to Make Before Travelling

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

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

Bringing Your Pet into the United Kingdom

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

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

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

Authorise another Person to Travel with Pets

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

Bringing in other Animal Species

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

Pet Travel Scheme UK Rules

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

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

Country’s Pet Passports accepted by the United Kingdom

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

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

Pet Passport Listed Countries

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

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

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

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

Approved Routes for Assistance Dogs

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

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

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

Travelling to and from Ireland and Northern Ireland

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

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

Bringing Multiple Pets into the UK

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

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

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

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

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

Dogs Arriving in the UK

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

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

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

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

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

Entering the UK from a Country Outside the EU

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

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

ALSO IN THIS SECTION

Pet microchipping laws.

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

Pet Passport and Documents

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

Rabies Vaccination Rules

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

Guide and Assistance Dogs

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

PET Helpline

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

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

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Animal imports and exports: guidance

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

The Pet Travel Scheme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ukraine pet travel

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

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

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

Relevant legislation

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

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

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

Trade in illegally imported cats and dogs

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

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

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

Help to fight the illegal trade in pet animals

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

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

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

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

In addition you should:

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

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

Additional advice on buying a puppy is available.

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

Updated Pets.

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

Advice on pet travel scheme updated.

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Pet travel webchat

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

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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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Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain

Pet passports and other documents.

Which pet travel documents you need will depend on where you’re travelling from.

Check if the country you’re travelling from is ‘part 1’ listed, ‘part 2’ listed, or not listed .

You must bring originals of all your pet’s documents, not photocopies.

If you’re travelling from a ‘part 1’ listed country

If you’re travelling to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) from a ‘part 1’ listed country, you’ll need one of the following:

a pet passport issued in a ‘part 1’ listed country

an animal health certificate ( AHC ) issued in Great Britain in the last 4 months

a pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021

a Great Britain pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days

If you’re travelling from a ‘part 2’ listed country or one that’s not listed

You must have a Great Britain pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days. You cannot bring your pet to Great Britain without one.

You’ll need extra documents if you’re entering Great Britain with a cat from Australia or a cat or dog from Malaysia.

Cats from Australia

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

Dogs and cats from Peninsular Malaysia

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

• has not had contact with pigs in the 60 days before you left
• has not been on a holding where Nipah disease has been found in the 60 days before you left
• has a negative blood test result for Nipah virus antibody - the test must be carried out by a laboratory approved for Nipah virus on a blood sample taken no more than 10 days before you leave

Getting a pet passport

Pet passports show the details of the different health treatments your pet has had.

You can get a pet passport from a vet authorised to issue them in any ‘part 1’ listed country.

Great Britain is not ‘part 1’ listed. You cannot use a pet passport from Great Britain unless it was issued before 1 January 2021.

If your vet does not issue pet passports, ask them for the nearest one that does or contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency .

When you get a pet passport you’ll need to take:

• your pet’s identity and vaccination records
• rabies blood test results, if your pet needs them

The passport is only valid if you meet the entry requirements.

You should travel with previous pet passports in some cases, for example if your pet has had a blood test. Ask your vet if you think this applies to your pet.

Only vets in EU countries can enter rabies vaccination details into an EU pet passport. Any vet in any country can put tapeworm treatment details into a pet passport.

You’ll need to get a new pet passport when all the treatment spaces are full.

Before you travel

Check that the vet has filled in the following sections in the pet passport:

• details of ownership - you must sign section I if your pet passport was issued on or after 29 December 2014
• description of animal
• marking or identification of animal
• vaccination against rabies
• rabies blood test (if needed)
• details of the vet issuing the passport (for passports issued from 29 December 2014)
• your dog’s tapeworm treatment (if needed)

Getting an animal health certificate ( AHC )

You can only use an AHC that’s been issued in Great Britain. You’ll usually only have one if you originally travelled with your pet from Great Britain.

AHCs must be signed by an ‘official veterinarian’ (OV). If you’re in Great Britain, check if your vet can issue animal health certificates. If they cannot, ask them to help you find an OV.

Find out more about getting an AHC .

Getting a Great Britain pet health certificate

You can ask your vet to complete a Great Britain pet health certificate .

Your pet must arrive in Great Britain within 10 days of the pet health certificate being issued.

Part of Bring your pet to Great Britain: step by step

Step 1 : check if you can bring your pet.

• Check if you can bring your pet
• Find out how you're allowed to travel to Great Britain
• Check different rules for guide and assistance dogs

Step 2 : Get your pet microchipped

• Check the rules for microchips

Step 3 : 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.

and Get tapeworm treatment

If you have a dog, you may also need to get tapeworm treatment before you travel.

• Check the rules about tapeworm treatment

Step 4 : Get a pet travel document

• You are currently viewing: Check which travel document you need

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