Traveling to the
UNITED KINGDOM
with pets
When travelling with your pet(s), there may be
animal health requirements specific for that
destination. As soon as you know your
travel details, contact your local veteri-
narian to assist with the pet travel pro-
cess. Factors to consider may include meeting
time frames for obtaining a health certificate,
updating vaccinations, microchipping, diagnostic
testing, or administration of medications/ treat-
ments.
Other factors to consider while traveling:
Breed restrictions, Age restriction, Appropriate
kennel size, Airline requirements, Pre-
notification and/or consulate approval to specif-
ic country, On-base housing pet requirements/
restrictions, etc.
Remember...
♦
It is the responsibility of the pet owner to
make sure their pet has met the requirements of
the destination country.
♦
Failure to meet the requirements may result in
problems gaining certificate endorsement or diffi-
culties upon arrival in the destination country.
♦
Health certificates must be legible, accurate,
and complete.
Important Information:
Presented by:
For the most up to date information on pet travel
to the UNITED KINGDOM please visit the
following websites:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/
pet-travel
https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-
public/banned-dogs
If you have any questions or concerns, please do
not hesitate to contact your local veterinary
treatment facility. Thank you in advance for your
attention to and assistance with this matter.
DISCLAIMER:
Last updated: 20 May 2019
The information contained on this brochure is for general
information purposes only. Public Health Command Europe
assumes no responsibility for errors in the contents of this
pamphlet.
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UNITED KINGDOM Summary Sheet:
1. Microchip
rabies vaccination given before microchip implantation is
considered by the UK to be invalid).
ber included on every rabies vaccination certificate. Rabies
vaccination certificates without the microchip number in-
cluded may result in the pet being held in quarantine upon
arrival in the UK at the owner's expense.
‐digit ISO compatible.
2. Rabies Vaccine
Pets may be subjected to revaccination for rabies if booster
is given within its validation and a 21 day quarantine period
upon arrival in the UK at the owner’s expense.
21 days before it is eligible to enter the EU. (Applies only
to pets over 16 weeks of age that have just received a pri-
mary rabies vaccination) [*Primary rabies vaccination: It is the
first vaccination given at the same time or after microchip implan-
tation OR It is given after the previous rabies vaccination expired]
ed for rabies as well as pets 12-16 weeks old that
were vaccinated for rabies less than 21 days prior to arrival
in the UK are NOT eligible for entry into the UK and may
be refused entry or quarantined upon arrival at the owner’s
expense.
3. Additional Treatments:
DOGS ONLY: Internal parasite tapeworm treatment:
administer medicine effective against tapeworms
(specifically Echinococcus multilocularis) between 24 and 120
hours (1 and 5 days) before entering the EU.
4. Veterinary Health Certificate Appointment
ability for health certificate appointments.
owner travels within 5 days before or after the pet: Certifi-
cate must be issued within 10 days of entering the UK
the pet OR designated person travels within 5 days before or
after the pet: Certificate must be issued within 10 days of
entering the UK [*Designated person: a family member, friend, or
other person authorized by the owner to travel with pet]
within 5 days of the pet: Certificate must be issued within 48
hours of departing the U.S.
recipient MUST match travel orders exactly, unless pet is
being shipped separately. If different, power of attorney
must be presented with travel orders.
that might possibly pick up pet at the airport MUST
BE LISTED.
NOTICE: The UK has a prohibited dog breeds list
(website listed under helpful resources)
Basic pet travel checklist: UNITED KINGDOM
Questions I may have for my vet:
Vaccines & Treatments?
Health Certificate? (2 copies)
Rabies current and/or
given prior to arrival
Issued within 5-10 days
of travel
EU pet passport OR EU
trilingual health certificate
Original rabies certificates
Microchip?
ISO compliant 15 digits
Prior to rabies vaccine
Appropriate health certificate
with correct persons listed for
pet transport
Acclimation memo
USDA accredited
signatures and stamps
Additional tapeworm
parasite treatment
NOTE: Airlines may have separate and additional
requirements. Check with your airline to determine
what requirements they may have, if any.
