Rabies quarantine procedures
- Introduction
- Transhipment or transiting the UK
- Authorised quarantine premises and carrying agents and their locations
- Location map of authorised quarantine premises and carrying agents
- Cost of quarantine
- Sharing quarantine accommodation
- Health of your pet in quarantine
- Welfare of pets in quarantine
- Arranging contracts with owners of quarantine premises
- Completing an application form for an import licence
- Transporting your animal to the UK
- Ports / Airports of entry
- Other possible import requirements
- Checklist
- Complaints
- The law
(49 KB) Introduction
Pet mammals that do not qualify to enter the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) may not be imported into this country unless an import licence has been issued in advance. This requires your pet to be detained, at your expense, at approved quarantine premises for 6 calendar months from the date of its landing. However it can be released at any time for immediate re-export.
There are separate rules for animals which are only passing through the UK.
Choosing a quarantine premises
First, you will need to choose suitable quarantine premises for your pet. The premises which are starred are those that meet the provisions of the voluntary welfare code. All the premises are privately owned.
In choosing suitable quarantine premises, you might want to take into account whether:
- it offers a level of comfort and care for your pet that you would be happy with
- and it is within reasonable travelling distance of your home (so you can visit your pet easily)
It is in your own interest to ensure that the welfare needs of your animal are met. This site contains details on the provisions for the welfare of dogs and cats in quarantine. We recommend that before making a choice you should compare brochures and, if possible, visit a number of different premises. In some cases we realise this may be difficult, but perhaps a friend or relative could do this on your behalf. You could also ask premises to refer you to previous customers so that you can obtain an independent view of the services they offer. Please note that we cannot recommend any particular quarantine premises.
Reserving quarantine accommodation for your pet and getting an import licence
After you have chosen suitable premises, you will need to reserve accommodation for your pet. We advise that you book well in advance, particularly in the holiday months. We also recommend that you agree a contract with the owner of the premises. The financial arrangements that you agree are entirely a matter between you and the owner of the quarantine premises.
When the quarantine premises agree to accept your pet(s) they will usually deal with all documentation on your behalf. This will include submitting an application form for an import licence to Animal Health (formerly State Veterinary Service), arranging to collect your pet at the port or airport of landing and clearance through Customs, and safe custody to the quarantine premises. Check this when making the reservation.If the quarantine premises are unable to arrange to transport your pet, you will need to reserve the services of an authorised carrying agent. The carrying agent will meet your pet at the port or airport of arrival and will be responsible for your pet’s security while in transit to the quarantine premises. You may not transport your pet to the quarantine premises yourself.
If you are unable to reserve government authorised quarantine accommodation then we will not be able to issue a licence for importation of your animal. In these circumstances we can only suggest that you might try and make satisfactory arrangements for it to be placed in a good home in the country you are leaving.
Approved ports/airports
Animals going into quarantine may only be landed at certain ports / airports. Check which one best meets your requirements.
Other possible requirements prior to entering the UK
We do not require any form of health certificate or vaccinations before your pet is imported into quarantine in the UK unless you are importing a cat from Australia or a dog or cat from Malaysia when there are some additional requirements.
Please note that some transport companies may require some form of health certification for your pet before they allow it to travel. You should check this with the transport company when making the booking for your pet to travel.
Page last modified: 26 April, 2007