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Bringing Pets To The UK
The relocation process for people that want to move to the UK can be complicated, especially when relocating with pets. There are many things you should know before bringing pets to the UK.
For example, the UK is considered a rabies-free country and therefore, the pet import requirements should be strictly followed.
The following article will help pet owners understand the rules and requirements for importing a pet into the UK.
Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time they get their rabies vaccination. If your pet got microchipped after the rabies vaccination, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.
The microchip must meet the ISO 11784 and 11785 standards. If your pet’s microchip doesn’t meet the ISO standards, you may have to bring your own microchip reader. Your pet could be refused entry or placed in quarantine if its microchip can’t be read.
Tattoos are accepted if your pet was tattooed on or before July 3, 2011, the tattoo is visible and your pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed.
Vaccinations Needed To Bring Your Pet To The UK
All dogs and cats require a veterinary confirmation that they have been vaccinated against rabies before entering the UK.
When should the rabies vaccine be given?
- At least 21 days before entering the UK – if your pet is coming from a country that the UK accepts pet passports from and from a listed country. The list of these countries can be found here.
- At least 4 months before entering the UK – if your pet is coming from an unlisted country (such as Israel).
It is important to note that the pet shouldn’t get the vaccine before turning 12 weeks old.
Boosters – pet owners must get their pets’ booster vaccinations on time. If missed, even by 1 day, the pet will need to be revaccinated and the process will begin all over again.
Most dogs should be treated against tapeworm. The treatment must contain praziquantel and it should be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before your pet enters the UK.
Pet owners don’t need to treat their dog for tapeworm if they are coming directly to the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway.
Cats don’t need to be treated against tapeworm, no matter where they are coming from.
Rabies Antibody Titer Test – 3 Months In Advance!
If you’re travelling to the UK from an unlisted country, a blood sample should be taken from all dogs and cats at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination was given.
The blood sample must be taken by an approved veterinarian and the serological test should be tested in an approved laboratory.
The result should state that the rabies antibody level is equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml.
Your pet will only be able to enter the UK 3 months after the blood sample was taken.
The rabies blood test will continue to be valid as long as your renew your pet’s rabies vaccinations on time.
Health Certificate
Pets entering the UK must be accompanied by an official veterinary health certificate (non-commercial or commercial). The health certificate should be endorsed by a government veterinarian in the country of origin.
If you are bringing a dog to the UK, you’ll need to do the health certificate within 5 days of your dog’s arrival.
On the other hand, if you are bringing a cat into the UK, the health certificate could be done within 10 days of your cat’s arrival.
Dangerous & Banned Breeds In The UK
The following breeds and crosses can’t be imported into the UK:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Braziliero
Exemptions can only be authorised at the discretion of the courts once a dog has been seized in the UK.
Entering The UK With A Pet
Bringing pets to the UK by air can only be done as manifested cargo, on certain travel routes and companies.
Once entering the UK, you will only be able to collect your pet after it has been taken through customs (could take about 6-8 hours). You must pay an agent, travel company or airline to do this for you.
Quarantine In The UK
There is no mandatory quarantine in the UK.
Your cat, dog or ferret will be checked when it arrives in the UK. If it doesn’t meet the pet travel rules, you will need to choose one of the following:
- Placing your pet in quarantine
- Sending your pet back to the country it travelled from
- Have your pet put down
The owner/importer will need to pay all the fees and charges that will occur.
If you have a need to transport your pets from Vietnam to the UK or from the UK to Vietnam, please contact us at any time.
Hotline: 0906262769
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