Pet Travel regulations enable you to avoid putting your cat or dog into quarantine when you travel to certain countries (most countries in Western Europe & Scandinavia).
To qualify for exemption from quarantine, you must meet various conditions relating to your pet´s health.
NOTE: Pet travel rules changed on 1 January 2012 when the UK brought its procedures into line with the European Union. We strongly suggest that you visit the government website to familiarise yourself with the most up to date information on this subject.
Entry rules for pets entering the UK from the EU and listed non-EU countries:
| What has to be done | Before 1st January 2012 | From 1st January 2012 |
| Microchip | Yes | Yes |
| Rabies vaccination | Yes | Yes |
| Documentation (pet passport or third country certificate) | Yes | Yes |
| Blood test (dogs and cats) | Yes | No |
| Pre-entry waiting period | Yes | Yes |
| Length of waiting period before entry to the UK | 6 months from date sample taken for blood test | 21 days after vaccination against rabies |
| Tick treatment | Yes (24-48 hours before embarkation) | No |
| Tapeworm treatment | Yes (as for ticks) | Under consideration at European level |
Entry rules for pets entering the UK from unlisted non-EU countries:
| What has to be done | Before 1 January 2012 | From 1 January 2012 |
| Microchip | No | Yes |
| Rabies vaccination | Yes | Yes |
| Documentation (third country certificate) | Yes | Yes |
| Blood test (dogs and cats) | Yes | Blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination |
| Pre-entry waiting period | Yes | Yes |
| Length of waiting period before entry to the UK | 3 months after blood sample date | 3 months after blood sample date |
| Tick treatment | No | No |
| Tapeworm treatment | Under consideration at European level | Under consideration at European level |
Other considerations
- take your pet for a health check by your vet in advance of your journey. Get advice from your vet on pregnant animals
- speak to the carrier in advance to ascertain the conditions that your pet will travel in and to ensure that you have the required paperwork
- do not use sedatives unless advised by a vet
- give your pet only a light meal about 2 hours before travel
- check with the carrier that your pet will have full and constant access to fresh water
- use a container which enables your pet to stand, sit and lie down in a natural position, and to turn around easily. The container should contain absorbent bedding and provide ample ventilation. A familiar toy can help your pet get used to the container.
- ensure that your pet will not be exposed to extreme temperatures
- try and match your pets sleeping patterns by travelling overnight where possible
