Moving to the UK with pets? Here are a few useful tips

This blog was first published in July 2017 and has been updated with new information for accuracy.

Requirements differ depending on whether your furry (or non-furry) friends are arriving in the UK or Northern Ireland from a non-EU listed country, like Australia and New Zealand, or an unlisted country, like South Africa.

Are you coming to the UK from an unlisted country?

Here’s what you must do when bringing your pet to the UK:

• They must be microchipped
• They must have had a rabies vaccination
• They need a pet passport or third-country official veterinary certificate
• They must have had a tapeworm treatment(for dogs only)

See also: Guide to life – find the right accommodation in the UK

Are you coming from a listed non-EU country?

When entering from a listed country, it’s much easier to bring your pet with you. All you require is a pet passport from your local vet.

UK pet passports

Pet passports detail the various treatments your pet has received and can be obtained from an authorised vet. You'll need to take the following with you when you apply for a pet passport:

• Your pet
• Documentation regarding the identity and vaccinations of your pet
• Blood test results for rabies, if your pet requires them

All entry requirements must be met for the passport to be valid.

Prior to moving, we advise that you double-check your vet has filled out the following information on the passport:

• Details of ownership
• Description of animal
• Marking or identification of animal
• Vaccination against rabies
• Rabies blood test (if needed)
• Details of the vet issuing the passport (if needed)
• Your dog’s tapeworm treatment (if needed)

It is also important to note that you’ll have to wait 21 days from the date of their rabies vaccination before travelling.

Are you bringing pets into Northern Ireland?

There is a slight difference between the rules of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Bring your pet to Northern Ireland by following these steps:

• They must be microchipped
• They must have had a rabies vaccination
• They must have an EU Health Certificate
• Dogs must be treated for tapeworm
• They may only enter the Republic of Ireland via Travellers' Point of Entry: Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy or Rosslare Europort and must undergo compliance checks on arrival.

In addition, pets arriving from unlisted countries may need to have a blood test after the rabies vaccination at least three months prior to entry.

Do you have an exotic pet?

If you want to bring an exotic pet such as a rodent, rabbit, bird, invertebrate, amphibian or reptile, they must spend four months in quarantine. If you’re bringing a rabbit or rodent with you, you’ll also need a rabies import licence.

When taking an animal that is not indigenous to the UK, you will need to apply for a special license from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The APHA will be able to guide you on the following:

• If you’re eligible to apply for a licence
• How long a licence lasts for
• What happens if you lose your licence

You can be fined or prosecuted if you:

• Allow any non-native animal to escape into the wild in the UK
• Release any non-native animal without a license to do so
• Keep a non-native animal without the proper licence

When entering from an unlisted country, the requirements are the same as above, but with one addition: A blood test must be taken at least 30 days after the animal’s rabies vaccination.

You’ll also have to wait three calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before travelling. The copy of the test results, supplied by your vet, must show that the vaccination was successful and should be sent to an approved blood testing laboratory.

See also: Do you know the difference between your NI and NHS number? 

Moving abroad with pets can be a great experience, but only if it is done right. It’s very important that you meet all the requirements before arriving in the UK or Northern Ireland. Failing to do so will mean that your furry (or feathery, or scaly) friends will be put in quarantine and you’ll have to pay for both the transport costs and accommodation. You can only collect your pets when they have cleared customs. Most agents, travel companies, and airlines will do this for you for a fee. The reward of reuniting with your pet will make the whole process worthwhile.  

Moving to the UK? Take the stress out of the process and hit the ground running when you arrive. Download your free UK Relocation Pack here.