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Dogs entering the UK
New rules now in place (introduced on 1/1/2012) will make it easier and cheaper to travel to the UK with your dog - but there is still a procedure to follow which if not correct your dog will be refused entry to the UK.
NB There are no checks when you leave the UK to return to Europe - but please ensure you comply with your own country's rules for dogs re-entering your country.
Please do not rely on this information – speak to your vet and refer to the DEFRA website to make sure you comply with these new regulations.
For your dog to enter the UK from the countries listed below:
European Union (EU) countries and territories: Austria, Azores, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Ceuta, Cyprus (†), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Melilla
Non EU listed countries and territories: Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Australia (†), Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, BES Islands, Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Croatia, Curacao, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica (†), Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia (†), Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russian Federation (†), Saint Maarten, San Marino, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre & Miquelon, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, USA, Vanuatu, Vatican, Wallis & Futuna
(†) Aditional conditions may apply, see DEFRA website
You must answer ‘yes’ to the following questions:
- Is your dog microchipped?
- Is your dog currently vaccinated against rabies?
- Was your dog vaccinated after it was microchipped?
- Have you got an EU Pet Passport or Official Veterinary Health Certificate(*) from your vet certifying the microchip and vaccination?
- Have 21 days passed since your dog was vaccinated?
- Are you travelling into the UK with your dog on an approved route?
- Have you treated your dog for tapeworm 1-5 days before its arrival in the UK, by a vet and had an official stamp, date and time stamped in your passport? (**)
(*) Official Veterinary Health Certificates are issued by non-EU countries only.
(**) This treatment must be done by a qualified veterinary surgeon with the time and date recorded, and signed and stamped by the vet in your Pet Passport.
Non-approved countries ie Russia may need a minimum of 4 months to prepare your dogs for travel to the UK
Russian Federation please check the DEFRA website as you have different requirements based on region and different time requirements.
For your dog to enter the UK from non-approved countries: (check the DEFRA website for these countries), you must answer ‘yes’ to the following questions:
- Is your dog microchipped?
- Is your dog currently vaccinated against rabies?
- Was your dog vaccinated after it was microchipped?
- Was a blood sample for a blood test taken at least 30 days after it was vaccinated?
- Has your dog passed the blood test? (your vet will tell you)
- Have you got an Official Veterinary Health Certificate(*) from your vet certifying the microchip, vaccination and blood test result?
- Have 3 months passed since the date blood sample was taken?
- Are you travelling into the UK with your dog on an approved route?
- Have you treated your dog for tapeworm 1-5 days before its arrival in the UK, by a vet and had an official stamp, date and time stamped in your passport? (**)
(*) Official Veterinary Health Certificates are issued by non-EU countries only.
(**) This treatment must be done by a qualified veterinary surgeon with the time and date recorded, and signed and stamped by the vet in your Pet Passport.
Consult your vet for advice 1-5 days before crossing to the UK.
Tick treatment is no longer necessary.
Tapeworm treatment must be done 1-5 days before arrival in the UK by a qualified veterinary surgeon with the time and date recorded, and signed and stamped by the vet in your Pet Passport.
Travel with more than five pets
Movement of dogs between EU Member States – including into and out of the UK – is limited to five per person, unless you are taking part in a competition, show or sporting event.
These animals will require a specific health certificate issued by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Applications for the certificate should be made at least 10 working days prior to the date of travel. The certificate will be issued direct to your nominated Official Veterinarian.
In order to complete certification the Official Veterinarian will require:
- Evidence the animals are entered in or registered to appear in a show, event or competition.
- To undertake a clinical examination of the animals within 24 hours of travel.
International Trade Centre for Exports:
Each pet you are taking to Europe will still need a completed and valid pet passport. The new certificate is not evidence your pets meets the Pet Travel Scheme rules. For more information contact the Carlisle Specialist Service Centre Export Team.
- Email: centralops.carlisle@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
- Tel: 01228 403600
- Fax: 01228 591900