Country requirements
Bringing pets and animals into Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Status: Partly verified — some items awaiting confirmation
Last checked: 12 October 2026
These summaries are not legal advice. Each item shows whether it was verified against the official source on the date shown or is awaiting confirmation. Always check the official source and confirm with your coordinator before travel.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering England, Wales or Scotland. The documents and tests needed depend on the country the pet is travelling from.
Pets must travel on an approved route, unless travelling within the UK or from Ireland. Source (opens official website)
The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. The pet can travel no earlier than 21 full days after the first vaccination (or after the last dose of the primary course). Source (opens official website)
A rabies blood test is also required from some countries. Source (opens official website)
Dogs need tapeworm treatment no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before arriving in Great Britain, unless coming directly from an exempt country (listed on GOV.UK). Source (opens official website)
Pets need a pet passport, an animal health certificate or a Great Britain pet health certificate, depending on the departure country, and a declaration that the pet will not be sold or transferred. Source (opens official website)
Different (“Balai”) rules apply if the pet is to be sold or rehomed, travels more than 5 days before or after its owner, or is one of more than 5 pets. A pet that does not meet the rules may be quarantined for up to 4 months. Source (opens official website)
Northern Ireland has separate pet travel guidance published by DAERA. Source (opens official website)
Imports of horses and livestock into Great Britain have separate import health and pre-notification requirements. Details are being confirmed for each species.
Tell us the route, the animal and your preferred dates. A coordinator will review the details and reply with a written quotation or questions — nothing is booked until you and our team confirm.
