How to Bring Your Dog to the UK: A Complete Guide.

Things to Know while bringing your Dog to the UK? 

The decision to pack up our life in Malaysia and journey across the globe to London was exhilarating, to say the least. My loyal furry buddy, a small Bichon Frise, was sure to join us on this adventure. But as the excitement wore off and reality started to set in, we very quickly realised that Travelling with a pet along with us was no small feat.

The absolute nightmarish tasks and paperwork involved were overwhelming, especially with other work responsibilities already stacking up.

It quickly became apparent that moving a pet to another country is not for the faint of heart; it is a complex and time-consuming process that can sometimes be overwhelming. Every moment being very precious, it was pretty clear that we would have to be very careful with the tiniest of details because any small goof-up could delay our dog’s departure or lead him to spend time in Quarantine, which was absolutely not what we wanted for our baby dog.

Our little dog had been our constant companion during the pandemic; we had never left him alone for more than a few hours. He had never even been on a long car ride before, let alone a transcontinental flight.

As I began to prepare him for this major move, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of nerves and anticipation for the challenges ahead.

Our main objective was to guarantee his well-being and protection while traveling.

Traveling with a pet to the UK requires following certain regulations and requirements in order to ensure the safety of both the animal and public health. Depending on the country you are coming from and the type of pet you have, there are specfic steps that are to be taken. As of December 2023, when I last checked, here is a general outline and checklist for bringing a dog to the UK.

    Check Eligibility:

• It’s super important to check the eligibility of your dog. 

Check Age–

Dogs under 12 weeks old or over 13 years old are not be permitted to travel. Even if they are eligible, they may not be able to handle the journey or the quarantine period. It is crucial to confirm that your pet meets the requirements for entry into the UK. Generally, dogs, cats, and ferrets from approved nations are allowed, but special regulations apply to other types of animals.

Weight– 

It is crucial to confirm that he is in excellent physical condition, with a healthy weight that falls within the acceptable range. Airlines have strict regulations regarding crate sizes based on the size and weight of the dog. If he is overweight, it could result in discomfort and potential health issues during long flights. In fact, we had to put our own dog, Simba, on a strict diet to ensure he was at the optimal weight for safe and comfortable travel.

Pet Passport Requirement-

• Your pet would need a passport or travel document for the country you are traveling from to enter the UK. Obtaining a pet passport or an official veterinary certificate from your veterinarian is the first step. ( If traveling from Malaysia or Singapore, only travel documents are required; there is no need for a passport). This document should include your pet’s microchip details, rabies vaccination information, and blood test results.

U.K has divided countries in Two Parts,

Part 1 & 2. Depending on the country of origin. Your pet’s travel documentation and the health check-up would highly depend on where you are coming from.

Get Microchip Done:

Please make sure your pet is microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit pet microchip. 

It is important to keep the number safely with you, too, just in case you need to verify if he gets exchanged or misplaced.

What Vaccinations are compulsory-

Having your pet’s vaccination records is absolutely essential. Ensure that all his vaccines are up-to-date. Another critical thing to note is the rabies vaccine for your dog. Ensure your pet is vaccinated against rabies.

Pets must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving the vaccine.

Blood Test Requirements-

• Few tests are compulsory for your furry babies to be done. 
• 1st – The rabies vaccination.
• First and foremost, your pet must receive the all-important rabies vaccination before you can travel to the UK. Depending on which country you are traveling from, there may be a waiting period before you are able to embark on your journey. For those coming from PART 1 Countries, this typically means waiting 21 days for the vaccine to take effect. This is a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of both your pet and the other animals in the UK.
• If you are traveling from a PART 2 Country, your pet will need to undergo a blood test 30 days subsequent to receiving the Rabies Vaccine. This blood sample must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory for testing. The results of this test must show that the vaccination was successful, with a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. It is important to note that you must wait 3 months from the date of the blood sample collection before you can travel.

• https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/listed-and-unlisted-countries.

• However, if your pet received the rabies vaccine, underwent a blood test, and obtained a pet passport or health certificate in the EU prior to traveling, this waiting period is not necessary. Make sure that your vet provides you with a copy of the blood test results and records the date of the sample in your pet’s passport or health certificate. This documentation is crucial for smooth travels and proving that all necessary precautions have been taken for your beloved furry friend’s well-being.

Get Tapeworm and Tick Treatment-

A regular Tapeworm and Tickworm treatment for your dog is suggested. In case your dog has not been administered the Tapeworm & ticks medicine, it’s essential for dogs to be treated for tapeworms and ticks by a vet between 1 to 5 days before entering the UK. This treatment should be recorded in your pet’s passport.

What is required in Vaccination record-

Your original pet’s vaccination record should be attached to the pet passport or health certificate and it must show:

• pet’s DOB (date of birth)
• microchip number, date it was put in, and where it is placed on your pet’s body
• vaccination date
• vaccine manufacturer and product name, for example, Vanguard or Nobivac
• vaccine batch number
• The date the vaccination is valid until
• the vet’s signature and contact details

What Health Check are Required ?-

Before embarking on your journey, the experienced and registered veterinarian will perform a thorough health check to ensure your pet is in optimal condition for travel. This important step should be completed at more 10 days before your departure date, ensuring that your furry companion is in top physical health and ready to take on the adventure ahead. The vet will carefully examine every aspect of your pet’s well-being, from their fur and skin to their vital signs and overall fitness level. With this final check-up, you can rest assured that your beloved pet is prepared for the journey ahead.

Travel by Approved Route-

Bringing your beloved pet to the UK requires careful planning and adherence to approved routes and travel operators. The species and origin of your furry companion will determine the specific route and method of transport.

Before embarking on your journey, it is crucial to secure a ticket for your pet by consulting the list of approved routes. This will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry friend as you enter the UK.

Essential to Notify Border Control-

Notify the UK’s Border Control (HARC) at least 24 hours before arriving. All the necessary documents, including Health certificates, Blood Reports, and Pet Passport/travel documents, must be provided to the authorities. You would be given a Registration Number, which needs to be added to the physical documents that will travel along with the Pet. 

Get Your Pet Accustomed to Crate-

Before embarking on a flight with your beloved pet, there are important steps that often go unmentioned by agents and airlines. One crucial element is getting your furry companion accustomed to the carrier/ crate they will be traveling in. Each airline has specific requirements for crate size based on the size of your dog, so it’s essential to plan ahead and prepare accordingly.

In the days leading up to the flight, make an effort to familiarise your pet with the crate. Placing their favorite toy or blanket inside. This will help them feel more at ease during the journey and prevent any unnecessary panic.

By keeping your pet calm and comfortable, you can ensure a happy reunion at your destination. Which can be a much-needed relief amidst the other stresses of moving to a new country. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to create a calmer and less stressed travel experience for your furry friend.

When does Quarantine happens-

On not following the above rules, documents are not in order, or else the pet does not meet the necessary health and vaccination requirements, it may be placed in quarantine. This can be expensive and stressful for both you and your pet.

Breeds That are Banned in U.K

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

Bringing Pet from EU countries

Traveling with your pet between the EU and Britain has become much simpler. If you have a pet passport from an EU country, you will not need to obtain an animal health certificate.

However, when bringing your pet into the UK from the EU, you must have one of the following:

• a pet passport issued in an EU country,

• a pet passport issued in a Part 1 listed country,

• or a pet passport issued in the United Kingdom before January 1st, 2021.
• This applies only if the journey is direct from one EU nation to the UK.

 For Pet’s Traveling From The US.

Moving a pet from the US to the UK is not a straightforward process, unlike moving within the EU.

One of the main requirements is that your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip for identification purposes.

In order to obtain a UK Health Certificate, you will need either a USDA Accredited Veterinarian or a Military Veterinarian to examine and certify your pet’s health. After your veterinarian has completed and signed the EU/UK Health Certificate. It must then be endorsed by your local USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office to bring your dog into the UK.

Pet Travel from Part II countries.

For those traveling to the UK with their pets from the countries (known as Part II or unlisted), there are certain requirements that must be met. Firstly, your pet must be microchipped as per UK government standards. Additionally, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies without any exemption, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination.

After vaccination, a blood sample must be taken at least 30 days later and satisfactory results must be obtained. You must wait for three months after the date of the satisfactory blood sample before entering the UK. Along with this, you will be required to obtain a third-country veterinary certificate.

Follow an authorised route and travel with an approved transport company if traveling from an unlisted country.

Summary

Just so you know, these requirements change from time to time. These are the requirements as of January 2024, and it’s crucial to check the most up-to-date information on the UK government’s official website. ( https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain)

Consult with your veterinarian and the relevant authorities in your home country.

Also, note that additional requirements may apply if you’re traveling from outside the European Union. Brexit may have introduced some changes to the rules.

Start your pet move planning as soon as you’re aware of the move. Get the Pet Travel documents ready, contact an agency, or ask your vet to assist you with the move. You can get flight & vet details on https://www.ipata.org/11-about-ipata    

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We offer absolute free advice on pet travel within or outside of the UK. Whether you’re looking for worldwide pet travel services or Bringing your pet from ASIA – we give you our honest & expert advice.

We guide you to the correct agencies to make your pet travel smooth.  Happy Moving!!! 

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