Pet Travel Regulations
Other considerations
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 1 January 2012 | From 1 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 | All pets from unlisted third countries are licensed into quarantine for 6 months and vaccinated against rabies on arrival | Yes |
| Rabies vaccination | Yes | |
| Blood test | Yes. Blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination. | |
| Documentation ( third country certificate) | Yes | |
| Pre-entry waiting period | Yes | |
| Length of waiting period before entry to the UK | 3 months after blood sample date | |
| Tick treatment | No | |
| Tapeworm treatment | Under consideration at European level |
Other considerations
