Importing Pets

The Pet Travel Scheme is a UK Government scheme that allows pet cats and dogs to enter the U.K. without spending time in quarantine.
 
In order to comply with these rules you will need to do the following (In Order).

1)    Have your animal fitted with a microchip.

2)    Have your pet vaccinated against rabies.

3)    After a period of time (usually 1 month) you will need to have your pet blood tested. This is to see that your pet has received the required protection from rabies.

4)    After 6 months from the date of the blood sample you can apply to a government vet for the Pets Certificate. This certificate must show the following;

a)    Microchip Number

b)    Vaccination date against rabies and batch number

c)    Blood test result date

5)    Between 24 and 48 hours before the date of departure you must have your pet treated against ticks and tapeworm. You must have this treatment completed by a vet and ensure they issue you with an official certificate.

6)    You must ensure a government official seals the transit kennel your pet is travelling in. This must be completed at the departure airport and will need to be arranged prior to your flight.

7)    A Declaration of residence (Pets 3) must be completed; this form can be provided by DEFRA in advance or from the transport company.
 

There are other considerations you will need to take into account before bringing your pet back into the U.K. for instance the route that your pet travels must be approved by DEFRA. The airline that you use must be an approved carrier and the country that you are flying from needs to be a qualifying country.

 
The above information should only be used as a guide, as the regulations are constantly changing. A full list of regulations can be found by using the link below to the DEFRA website.