Rules of Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain

These regulations apply to pet travel into Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). For Northern Ireland, specific guidelines can be found here.

If you’re bringing pets into Great Britain from Ukraine, please refer to this guidance for specific instructions.

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To enter or return to Great Britain with your cat, dog, or ferret, ensure that your pet:

• Is microchipped (details).

• Has a valid pet passport or health certificate (more information).

• Is vaccinated against rabies (requirements). If arriving from a non-listed country, a blood test is also required (check countries).

Travel must be via an approved route, unless you are traveling within the UK or from Ireland.

If you do not plan to sell or transfer ownership of your pet, you must complete a declaration. Additionally, dogs usually need a tapeworm treatment.

Failure to follow these rules may result in your pet being quarantined for up to four months (quarantine details) or refused entry if arriving by sea. You will be responsible for any associated costs.

Different regulations apply if you are traveling abroad with your pet; more information can be found here. Importing a banned dog breed into Great Britain is illegal and could result in the dog being seized by authorities or euthanized (banned breeds).

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Check for Additional Requirements

• You must comply with additional Balai rules if:

• You intend to sell, rehome, or transfer the ownership of the animal.

• Your pet arrives more than five days before or after you.

• You are bringing more than five animals (more details) and are not attending a competition, show, or sporting event.

Before You Travel Check with your travel company to confirm:

• They allow pets on board and the number they can accommodate.

• If they require proof of your pet's fitness to travel, such as a vet’s letter or specific details in the pet passport or health certificate (pet passport info).

Authorizing Another Person to Travel with Your PetYour pet can travel with someone else if you provide written authorization.

Bringing Other Animals Different rules apply when bringing other types of animals into Great Britain. Detailed information can be found here.

Why JCS Pet Travel?

At James Cargo Service, best pet relocation company, we specialise in pet shipping around the world, into and out of the UK. We understand that our furry friends are members of the family, and their comfortable relocation is our priority.

We are specialists in pet transport by air or road and we aim to make the process simpler and stress free for you and your pet. We can help with flight crates, collection, vet trips and delivery at destination. We can also help with shipping your pet bird abroad, or indeed your pet snake or rabbit!

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