The Pet Travel Scheme is the system that allows:

• Pet dogs, cats and ferrets to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules.
• People in the UK to take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other countries and territories, and return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine.

The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other exotic diseases. The UK has been free from rabies for many years, but because of the existence of the disease in other countries there is a continued need for an effective system to be in place to manage the risk of rabies being introduced by imported animals.

Dogs, cats and ferrets

The UK does not allow  dogs, cats and ferrets that have not been vaccinated against rabies to enter the UK. Once they have reached the minimum age for vaccination (as stated on the vaccine manufacturer’s datasheet) they must be prepared in accordance with all the requirements explained on these web pages, taking account of the required order of preparation.

• What pet owners need to do – How to bring your pet dog cat, or ferret into or back into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme.
• Countries and territories – The rules for dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK will depend on which country or territory you are travelling from.
• Routes and transport companies – Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme may only do so on approved routes.

You are responsible for ensuring your pet meets all the rules for entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme. Make sure you have had the procedures carried out in the correct order and your pet’s documentation is correctly completed. If you do not, your pet may not be able to enter the country or may have to be licensed into quarantine on arrival. This will mean delay and will cost you money.

Dangerous dogs in Great Britain

In Great Britain, it is illegal to possess certain types of dogs. If you bring one of these dogs into Great Britain, you could be prosecuted and the dog seized and destroyed. If in doubt, don’t travel with it.

See also

• Other animals – rules covering the movement of other pet animals
• Information on commercially traded animals see the animal imports and exports pages.
• Dangerous dogs
• Rabies