PETS: How to bring your dog or cat into or back into the UK from unlisted countries
Dogs and cats resident in an unlisted country entering the UK direct or via an non-EU country
A pet entering the UK from an unlisted country, whether directly or via a non-EU country, must be licensed into quarantine for 6 months on arrival. This must be arranged before the animal travels.
Dogs and cats resident in an unlisted country entering the UK via another EU country
Alternatively, to enter the UK from an unlisted country without quarantine a dog or cat can be fully prepared for PETS after entry into another EU country (other than Ireland, Malta or Sweden) by following the required procedures. In this case, a pet already fitted with a microchip is not required to be re-microchipped. The 6 month rule will also apply and your pet must be treated for ticks and tapeworms and enter the UK with an approved transport company on an authorised route.
Before entering an EU country (other than the UK, Ireland, Malta or Sweden) from an unlisted country, your pet must:
- be identified by a microchip (or a tattoo may be accepted by certain countries)
- be vaccinated against rabies
- have a blood sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travelling to an EU country
- have a blood test result from an EU-approved laboratory showing that the rabies antibody titre was equal to or more than 0.5 IU/ml
- be accompanied by a certificate issued by an official veterinarian certifying compliance with the above requirements.
Pets re-entering the EU (other than the UK, Ireland, Malta or Sweden) from an unlisted country with an EU pet passport
Pets re-entering the EU (other than the UK, Ireland, Malta or Sweden) from an unlisted country with an EU passport certifying that the procedures in the previous paragraph have been carried out do not need to undertake the 3 month wait referred to in bullet 3 above. A satisfactory blood test must have been carried out at an EU-approved laboratory before the animal left the EU. Before being able to enter the UK, the pet must wait 6 calendar months in an EU country (other than Ireland, Malta or Sweden). Repreparation is not required. Your pet must then be given tick and tapeworm treatment and enter the UK with an approved transport company on an authorised route.
If any of the conditions are not complied when your pet enters the UK it must be licensed into quarantine. It may be released from the date it can be shown to comply with the rules.
Page last modified: November 13, 2006