Pet travel rules

The rules will be different depending on the country the pet is coming from.

The Pet Travel Scheme allows:

• pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine, as long as they meet the rules
• people from the UK to:
  • take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries
  • take their dogs, cats and ferrets to certain non-EU countries
  • return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine

The rules

The rules aim to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases. Under the rules:

• animals need to be at least 12 weeks old before vaccination
• a qualified person must implant the microchip
• a Pet Passport will be issued
• a declaration will be available to ease travel with more than 5 animals to a show or competition. However, you must have proof that the animals are registered to attend an event and provide contact details

Animals which do not comply with all the rules must be licensed into quarantine. They could be released early if they meet the requirements.

Listed countries

Some countries have a lower risk of rabies, or effective rabies management systems. The UK accepts pet passports from EU countries and certain others. It also “lists” other countries as a low risk. Pet Travel Scheme requirements for animals entering the UK from listed third countries.

Unlisted countries

Where a country is outside of the EU, or is not considered to be low risk, it must be considered a high risk. Pet Travel Scheme requirements for animals entering the UK from unlisted countries.

To see the listed countries, and those that the UK accepts pet passports form, please visit gov.uk.

The rules for pet travel may change once we leave the EU. For further information about this, please visit Preparing Wales