Bringing Pets into Great Britain in 2025 - A Simple Guide

jamescargo34
Dec 4, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Mar 21, 2025

This guide will walk you through the essentials for bringing dogs, cats, and ferrets into England, Scotland, or Wales, including assistance dogs.

Traveling to Great Britain with your pet can be an exciting yet daunting process. Whether you're moving, vacationing, or returning home, there are specific rules and steps to follow to ensure your furry friend arrives safely and legally.

JCS Pet Transport specialises in making pet travel stress-free, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert help.

Key Steps for Bringing Pets to Great Britain

1. Approved Travel Routes

Before you begin, confirm that your chosen travel route is approved for pet entry into Great Britain. Routes vary depending on the transport method (air, sea, or rail), and there are special options for those traveling with guide or assistance dogs.

2. Microchip Your Pet

Your pet must be microchipped before receiving their rabies vaccination. Ensure the microchip meets ISO standards to avoid compatibility issues during checks.

3. Rabies Vaccination

Vaccinate your pet against rabies and allow at least 21 days post-vaccination before entry. This waiting period ensures your pet’s immunity is fully developed.

4. Pet Travel Documents

Depending on the country of origin, you’ll need one of the following:

Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if traveling from the EU or Northern Ireland.
GB Pet Health Certificate for non-EU countries.

Your veterinarian will provide these documents, which detail your pet’s health status and compliance with entry rules.

5. Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)

Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before arriving in Great Britain. This treatment is not required for pets traveling from certain countries, such as Finland, Malta, or Norway.

If you're traveling within the UK or from Ireland, using an approved route is unnecessary. For a smooth journey, explore our pet travel services.

6. Declaration of Non-Commercial Movement

If you’re not selling, rehoming, or transferring ownership of your pet, you must fill out a declaration form confirming this.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?

Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences:

Quarantine: Your pet may be quarantined for up to 4 months.
Refused Entry: Pets arriving by sea without proper documentation may be denied entry.
Fees and Fines: You are responsible for all associated costs.

Avoid costly mistakes by consulting our pet relocation specialists.

Additional Rules to Consider

Balai Rules

Extra requirements apply if:

You’re selling or rehoming your pet.
Your pet arrives more than 5 days before or after you.
You’re traveling with more than five pets (unless for competitions or shows).

These rules include microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and tapeworm treatments, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Authorizing Another Person to Travel with Your Pet

If you can’t accompany your pet, you can authorize someone else in writing to bring them into Great Britain.

Special Guidance for Other Situations

Traveling from Northern Ireland: Rules differ slightly, so consult the UK government’s guidelines.
Other Pets: Rules for bringing pets like rabbits, birds, or reptiles vary.
Traveling from Ukraine: Specific accommodations are available for pets entering from Ukraine.

Visit our comprehensive pet travel scheme.

Why Choose JCS Pet Transport?

Relocating pets can be overwhelming, but with JCS Pet Transport, you get:

Expert Guidance: Stay updated on the latest rules and requirements.
End-to-End Service: From microchipping to travel documents, we handle it all.
Safe & Comfortable Transport: Your pet’s well-being is our top priority.
Personalized Support: Whether you’re moving a dog, cat, or ferret, we tailor our services to your needs.

Get Started Today!

Ready to bring your pet to Great Britain? Contact JCS Pet Transport for a free consultation and quote. Let our experienced team handle the details so you can focus on your journey!