Pet travel scheme – Bringing your pet into the UK
If you’re planning to bring your pet into the UK, the Pet Travel Scheme may apply depending what kind of pet you are travelling with, the purpose of the move, and how close your pet’s journey is to yours.
Below you’ll find an overview of when the scheme applies, what the requirements are, and what to do if your journey doesn’t qualify.
Who can use the pet travel scheme?
- This is your own personal pet and you have owned your pet for at least six months, and the pet is not being sold or rehomed
- You and your pet are travelling together or within 5 days of each other
- Your pet is entering the UK via an approved route (See available arlines). Pets flying into the UK must also arrive as manifest cargo.
Check the listed countries and the entry requirements
What documents does my pet need?
Depending on where you’re coming from, your pet must have one of the following:
- A valid EU pet passport (issued in the EU or Northern Ireland)
- A GB pet health certificate
- An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) (if you’re returning to the UK with a GB pet that travelled to the EU)
Health requirements
- Microchipped before rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel
- Tapeworm treatment (for dogs) given 24–120 hours before entry, not applicable for pets travelling from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway.
- If your pet is travelling from an unlisted country, they will require a rabies blood test as well. The sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and pets can only travel to the UK three months after the date the sample was taken.
What happens on arrival?
If your pet meets the Pet Travel Scheme requirements and arrives via an approved route, they will be cleared at the airport without the need to go through a Border Control Post. We recommend keeping all documents easily accessible for inspection on arrival.
When the pet travel scheme does not apply
Your pet cannot travel under the Pet Travel Scheme if:
- You are not travelling within 5 days of your pet
- The pet is being rehomed, sold, or adopted
- The import is considered commercial
In these cases, your pet must arrive through a Border Control Post (BCP) and be accompanied by an animal health certificate. See our Import Regulations page for full details.
30+ years of care for animals
For over 30 years, we’ve been helping pet owners, breeders, and animal organisations move animals safely and responsibly. We’re proud to meet the highest industry standards as members of BIFA, IATA, and IPATA, and as a certified Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). Our focus is on giving you a reliable, caring service you can feel confident in.
Request a pet quote
If you have a question or need help preparing the necessary documents, get in touch with our team or request a tailored quote today. We’re here to make your pet transport simple and compliant.
Just have a question?
Ask our team today for support with your upcoming travel arrangements for your pet! With over 30 years experience we know we can provide the ultimate comfort and reassurance when travelling with your pet.