Cookies on GOV.UK
We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate
Use this certificate to bring your pet dog, cat or ferret, or assistance dog, to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).
GB Pet Health Certificate - word format
MS Word Document , 80.3 KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
GB Pet Health Certificate - ODT format
ODT , 65.7 KB
This file is in an OpenDocument format
GB Pet Health Certificate - PDF format
PDF , 102 KB , 9 pages
The pet travel document you can use to bring your pet into Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) depends on the country you’re travelling from. Check if you’re travelling from a ‘Part 1’, ‘Part 2’ or ‘not listed’ country .
When you must use a Great Britain pet health certificate
You must use this certificate for a pet that’s entering or returning to Great Britain from a ‘Part 2’ listed or ‘not listed’ country. You cannot use a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate to enter or return to Great Britain from a ‘Part 2’ listed or a ‘not listed’ country.
You can use this certificate for a pet that’s travelling from a Part 1 listed country if you do not have one of the following:
- a valid pet passport issued in the EU, Northern Ireland or a Part 1 listed country
- a pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021
- an Animal Health Certificate issued in Great Britain
How to use this form
This certificate must be signed and dated by an official vet who has authority from their government to issue it.
If you are a pet owner, speak to your vet to find out if they can complete the form. They might need to contact their local authorities to get a copy of the form and have it signed and stamped by an official vet.
Your pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of the certificate being issued.
Updated the guidance to clarify when you can use this certificate.
Updated the GB Pet Health Certificate forms.
First published.
Related content
Is this page useful.
- Yes this page is useful
- No this page is not useful
Help us improve GOV.UK
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.
Pet travel webchat
Webchat can help with general pet travel requirements. If you have a specific question, call our helpline.
We are running the webchat as a trial, so we may ask you to provide feedback.
Webchat opening hours
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
- Bank holidays, Closed
Webchat - There are currently no agents available, try again later.
Pet travel guidance
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
- Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
Cookies on Your Defra account
We use some essential cookies to make this service work.
We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your settings, understand how people use the service and make improvements.
Help using Your Defra account
How to register for defra online services.
To register for a Defra online service for the first time, you need to create a Defra account. Your Defra account lets you register with a range of online services from Defra and related organisations.
Here’s the process:
- Sign in using your own Government Gateway username and password. If you do not have your own Government Gateway account, we’ll help you to create one. Do not use a shared account.
- Tell us some information about you and your organisation (if relevant).
- Complete your registration with the relevant service.
Before you start
You’ll need:
- your email address, phone number and postal address
- your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have a Government Gateway account, we’ll help you to create one.
If you’re registering on behalf of a business or organisation, you'll also need:
- the main contact details for your business or organisation (for example, head office contact details)
- the Companies House number if the business or organisation is a limited company
Trouble signing in?
If you cannot sign into your Defra account or service, please contact the relevant service using the telephone numbers below.
Find out about call charges (opens in new tab)
Change your associated phone number
If you do not have access to the phone number associated with your Government Gateway ID, you’ll need to reset it by following these steps:
- Sign into the service you used to set up your Government Gateway ID.
- Follow the links to change your access code settings.
This was last updated on 21 April 2023
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
Pet Travel Scheme
Pet Parent tips from Pet Protect
Bringing your pet dog or cat to Great Britain
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they comply with the regulations. It also allows pet owners in the UK to take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European countries and then return with them without need for quarantine.
Further information on the scheme can be found on the official DEFRA web site
For dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK from any European or “listed” third country the key difference is that the current requirement to carry out a rabies blood test followed by a four-month wait before entry into the UK is no longer be required.
Eligibility
Dogs, cats and pet ferrets can enter or return to Great Britain if it has been:
- Microchipped – make sure your details are correct and updated on the microchip.
- Has a pet passport or health certificate.
- Vaccinated against rabies – your pet will need a blood test if you’re travelling from a country that is not listed .
- You must use an approved route, unless you’re travelling within the UK or from Ireland.
- You need to complete a declaration if you are not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet.
- Dogs must also usually have a tapeworm treatment.
Your pet may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months if you do not follow these rules or have been refused entry if you travelled by sea.
- Check if you can bring your pet
- Get your pet microchipped – check the rules for microchips
- Get your pet vaccinated against rabies – check the rules about rabies vaccinations . You must wait for a set period of time after vaccination before you can travel. Depending on the country you’re travelling from, you might also need to get a blood test.
- Get a tapeworm treatment. If you have a dog, you may also need to get tapeworm treatment before you travel – check the rules about tapeworm treatment.
- Get a pet travel document – check which travel document you need
Banned dog breeds
If you bring a banned breed of dog into the UK it can be taken away from you by the police or local authorities and could be destroyed.
Taking your pet abroad
There’s different guidance if you’re taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad .
Check if you need to follow extra rules
You must follow extra rules (known as Balai rules) if any of the following apply:
- you’re going to sell, rehome or transfer the ownership of the animal
- your pet is arriving more than 5 days before or after you arrive
- you’re bringing more than 5 animals and are not attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event
Make sure your pet is protected with Lifetime cover
As part of our Lifetime Pet Insurance , Travel Cover is included which allows to take your pet abroad. Get a Pet Protect Insurance Quote.
Pet care advice when you need it the most.
If your pet is unwell our 24/7 advice service may help save you an unnecessary trip to the vet.
Speak to a vet or vet nurse by phone, chat, and video.
Our pet care service also offers behavioural and nutritional support, to help you take care of your pet.
Learn more about our petconnect service
- Leave a Reply
Recent Articles
How many treats can my pet have?
How do you know your pet loves you?
How to get your dog ready for Winter
Cookies help us improve website use experience. By continuing to use this site or closing this panel you agree to our use of cookies.
See our Cookie Policy Close
YOUR COOKIE PREFERENCES
Privacy overview.
An official website of the United States government
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
- Publications
- Account settings
Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .
- Advanced Search
- Journal List
- BMJ Open Access
Clarify pet travel plans this month, Defra urged
By Josh Loeb
Vets and the travel industry are lobbying the government to provide clarity on whether, and how, the Pet Travel Scheme will apply after the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.
Their calls follow anecdotal reports from some vet practices of an increase in inquiries from clients about pet travel since the partial easing of travel restrictions related to Covid-19.
Having left the EU earlier this year with a transition period, the UK will become a ‘third country’ from 23:00 on 31 December.
This means it needs to apply to the European Commission to be listed for pet travel.
Defra says it has applied for ‘Part 1 listed’ status. If granted by the commission, UK-EU pet travel would remain largely unchanged from how it is now.
However, there are two other categories that the UK could be placed in – ‘Part 2 listed’ status and ‘Unlisted’. Placement in these categories would entail additional bureaucracy for owners, such as the requirement to obtain a new animal health certificate for each journey to the EU.
Defra has so far provided no indication about when it expects to hear whether it has achieved listed status, and what type. In the meantime vets have expressed concern that the clock is ticking.
Defra’s advice for the public on post-Brexit pet travel states: ‘To make sure your pet is able to travel from the UK to the EU from 1 January 2021, you should contact your vet at least four months before travelling to get the latest advice.’
Working back from 31 December, that means clarity from Defra is needed by 31 August at the latest so that vets can give correct advice to clients.
IVC Evidensia, the UK’s largest veterinary corporate, last week revealed it was already experiencing ‘significant difficulties in managing client expectations and supporting them with accurate information on future pet travel rules’.
The current lack of certainty leaves vets and their teams in a very difficult position
Its chief veterinary adviser, John Dinsdale, told Vet Record : ‘The current lack of certainty leaves veterinary surgeons and their teams in a very difficult position trying to navigate the three possible category scenarios that may occur in the transition period and beyond.
‘In attempting to support clients with this issue, they are often wrongly accused of being profligate or uninformed when, in fact, they are doing their best for the client and their animal in order to manage all the potential scenarios. There are huge numbers of existing owners using the Pet Travel Scheme and, given the already very dynamic Covid-19 governmental advice, this will surely lead to a potentially significant risk of animals being held abroad or unable to travel when desired, a financial and welfare issue, due to misinterpretation and misunderstanding.’
Vet Ian Wright, a practice owner, said he was concerned the issue could become politicised amid wider UK-EU negotiations.
He stressed that decisions about the UK’s pet travel status should be based solely on the epidemiological situation and should not be allowed to become hamstrung by political issues.
‘Any decisions regarding Brexit and future pet travel should be based on epidemiology and welfare and not on political horse trading in December,’ Wright warned.
BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said that if owners wanted to take their pets abroad after the end of the transition period, they needed to start thinking about it now.
She added: ‘If we end up being an unlisted country, cats, dogs and ferrets need to have a rabies vaccine. We then need to wait 30 days and take a blood test, then, provided the test comes back as a positive titre result, you have to wait three months from the date of sampling to be able to travel freely.
‘In all, that’s a four-month leeway period.’
Luke Petherbridge, head of public affairs at the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), said pet travel was ‘one of the issues that people really care about, especially considering that the end of the transition period will coincide with travel plans for Christmas and the new year’.
He added: ‘ABTA urges the government to provide clarity on post-Brexit travel rules for pets to give people adequate time to prepare. Given the EU’s four-month rule for unlisted countries, which could apply to the UK post-transition, time is fast running out.’
Defra did not provide any further comment other than confirming it had applied for Part 1 listed country status under the Pet Travel Scheme.
Further information on the possible outcomes of its application is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit ●
- Skip navigation to content
Products and services
- Laboratory testing
Rabies Serology Testing
- Animal feed testing
- Antimicrobial resistance testing
- Microbiology and virology
- Parasitology
- Other tests
- West Nile Virus
APHA Rabies Serology team
Animal and plant health agency rabies laboratory.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Rabies Laboratory at Weybridge is:
- the UK Reference Laboratory for Rabies
- an International Reference Laboratory for Rabies (OIE, World Animal Health Organisation)
- an EU-approved laboratory for rabies serology
- a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 1769.
Please note that we are currently unable to test any rabies FAVN submission where the samples are taken in Russia and where payment would be made from a Russian bank/credit card. Testing may still be possible depending on circumstances and how the payment is to be made. Please contact us on +44 (0)3000 600022 or [email protected] for advice before sending any samples to us.
The rabies tests undertaken by APHA are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 ensuring the highest level of quality assurance. Our highly skilled team of scientists are on hand to provide a highly competitive, quality assured, service from sample receipt to result reporting.
Available Rabies Serology tests at APHA for EU and other pet travel schemes
The Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation (FAVN) test (sometimes referred to as the RNATT) offered by APHA is an approved rabies antibody titration test for monitoring the effectiveness of vaccines for pet travel schemes. The FAVN test determines whether the animal has adequate levels of anti-rabies antibodies following vaccination. An antibody level greater than or equal to 0.5IU/ml is considered an adequate response to vaccination for the purposes of commercial and non-commercial pet travel.
Two test formats are available at APHA, both provide a result as IU/ml. Samples with a titre greater than the end point of the assay will be reported as ≥ the upper limit of the test:
- TC0712 – Rabies antibodies in dogs and cats for PETS reduced dilution test. Report accepted for Pet Travel Schemes including EU and Australia. This test will be undertaken unless indicated otherwise on the submission form.
- TC0570 – Rabies Antibodies in dogs and cats (extended method) full titration test. Serum samples with high antibody levels can be titrated using an end point titration test. This must be specifically requested on the submission form and incurs an increased charge and longer test turnaround time.
View our current test prices and turnaround times .
Submitting PETs samples to APHA
- each serum sample should be sent with a completed submission form (one per sample). The submission form and guidance notes are available here
- a minimum of 1ml serum (preferable) or 2ml clotted blood should be sent in a plain tube, marked with the owner’s name, animal’s name and microchip number
- each serum sample should be sent in an insulated leak-proof container (IATA packing instructions 650)
- Canine/feline serum samples – no commercial value
- Category 3 Veterinary diagnostic specimens – not restricted
- we accept samples from customers worldwide - additional requirements for samples submitted from non-EU countries can be found in the FAQs section or in the guidance section of the submission form.
Send your completed submission form and sample to:
Rabies Serology/Sample Reception Animal and Plant Health Agency Woodham Lane New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB United Kingdom
Please contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline for information regarding pet travel: Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)370 241 1710
For test enquiries including any queries about APHA test report validity (you will need to be able to provide a scan or photograph of the report), please read the FAQ section , or contact our Laboratory Services Team: Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)208 415 2280
Page last modified: 26 April, 2022
Popular links
- Biological reagents
- VETQAS Proficiency Testing
- © Crown copyright
- Terms & conditions
- Privacy and cookies
- Accessibility Statement
- European Transport
- UK Pet Transport
- Worldwide Pet Transport
- Transport for Dogs
- Transport for Cats
- Testimonials
- Advice Blog
- Get a Quote
- Privacy Policy
UK And EU: Pet Compliance Checklist
Connie Powell November 25, 2021 Paw Pet Travel Tips & Advice
Full article with thanks to: eurotunnel.com/uk/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-your-pet/checklist
All pet dogs, cats and ferrets (including guide and hearing dogs) can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending on the country or territory the pet is coming from. Please remember you are responsible for ensuring this is the case for your cat, dog or ferret prior to travel.
As the market leader for pet travel, we have compiled a list of the DEFRA procedures for you to follow to ensure your pet complies with the current PET Travel Scheme rules from 1 st January 2021.
PET Travel Scheme rules from the 1st January 2021
Following the implementation of the new model of Pet Passport from the 29 th December 2014, some changes to the PET Travel Scheme rules will apply from 1 st January 2021. You are responsible for ensuring your pet meets all of the rules for entering the EU before it leaves the UK and also complies with the rules for entering the UK under the PET Travel Scheme. Further details can be found at the DEFRA website .
We strongly advise you to read these carefully, if any of the details are incorrect or missing when you check-in at our Pet Receptions located at both our Folkestone & Calais terminals, your pet will not be allowed to travel.
Our Pet Reception on the Folkestone terminal is a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE) to the EU.
In order to identify your pet (dog, cat or ferret) it must be fitted with a microchip, before or the same day as the initial rabies vaccination is carried out.
The microchip number of the animal must be identical to the microchip number on the pet’s documentation.
A tattoo from any country in the world is acceptable providing it has been done at the latest on the 3 July 2011.
When the vet is completing your pet’s official travel documents, make sure the date of implantation or date of the reading of the microchip is the same date as, or before, the rabies vaccination.
EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate
From 1st January 2021, the UK will be categorised as a Part 2 listed third country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This means if your pet(s) have an EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain, this will no longer be valid for travel to the EU and you will be required to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
However, if your pet(s) have an EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain before 1st January 2021, they will be accepted for entry into the UK .
For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU Pet Passport.
If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU Listed or Unlisted Third Country or Territory, you will need to obtain an Official Third Country Veterinary Health Certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Your pet (who must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination) must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement.
The vaccine name and manufacturer, as well as vaccination date , valid from and expiry dates, must be recorded in the AHC or EU Pet Passport by a registered vet (signature and stamp or vet details are mandatory) in the relevant boxes in the Rabies Section of the EU Pet Passport or AHC.
There is no exemption to this requirement. If you are travelling from the EU and listed non-EU countries, the length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is 21 days after the vaccination date (the vaccination date counts as day 0). A waiting period is not required for subsequent entries into the UK, provided rabies boosters are kept up to date and recorded in your pet’s official documentation. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21-day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination.
Travel to/from the EU must take place within the current vaccination validity.
When the vet is completing your pet’s official travel documents (AHC or EU Pet Passport), make sure the date of implantation or date of the reading of the microchip is the same date as, or before, the rabies vaccination.
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
Your dog must be treated against tapeworm before travelling to the UK.
Treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the dog’s scheduled arrival time in the UK. The treatment date and time must be recorded by the vet in the pet’s documentation.
Short trips
If you’re leaving Great Britain for a short trip, your dog must be treated by a vet before you go. You must wait for 24 hours before re-entering Great Britain and return within 120 hours or you’ll need to get another treatment abroad. You should treat your dog again within 28 days of returning to Great Britain.
Please note if the tapeworm treatment is not administered in time or correctly documented by a vet, it will result in your pet being refused travel.
Tapeworm treatment must:
- Be administrated by a vet
- Must contain Praziquantel to be effective against Echinococcus tapeworm
The following products: Stronghold, Advocate, Frontline or Frontline Combo, Nexgard or Nexgard Spectra will not be accepted and will result in the animal being refused travel.
Veterinary certificate (for Rabbits, Rodents, and Reptiles etc)
This is a health certificate document for domestic pets (other than dogs, cats, ferrets) from non-EU countries to the EU. This form must be completed by a vet within 10 days of travel and can be used to travel to and from the UK and France. It will be inspected by border control agents, so there is no need to visit our Pet Reception or declare these animals on your booking.
Blood test (not required)
Blood test is no longer required if you are entering the UK from the EU and listed non-EU countries.
If entering the UK from unlisted non-EU countries a blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and the length of the waiting period before allowing a dog, cat, ferret to travel is three calendar months from the date your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result from an approved laboratory.
Get the latest from our pet advice blog .
If you’re looking to travel your pet within or outside the United Kindom (Example: Birmingham to Paris), then get in touch with us by completing our quick and easy quote form .
Commercial and Non-Commercial Movements of Pets into Great Britain
Closed 16 Oct 2021
Opened 21 Aug 2021
We are seeking your views on the government’s proposed changes to the rules governing the commercial and non-commercial movement of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) This does not include Northern Ireland. This is a joint consultation being issued by Defra on behalf of the UK Government, the Welsh Government, and the Scottish Government.
A Welsh version of the consultation document can be found at the bottom of this page. Mae fersiwn Cymraeg o’r ddogfen ymgynghori ar gael ar waelod y tudalen hwn.
Now that we have left the European Union (EU), the government has the opportunity to manage our own pet travel (non-commercial) and commercial import requirements.
In June 2021, the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill aims to deliver the UK Government’s manifesto commitment to crack down on the issue of illegal puppy smuggling.
The Bill includes a regulation-making power to introduce restrictions on commercial and non-commercial pet movements into Great Britain on welfare grounds and to make changes to the supporting enforcement regime.
We are consulting on these proposed new restrictions, which have been developed utilising recommendations [1] and evidence [2] from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee and third sector organisations, as well as public petitions [3] [4] and campaigns for change. The key proposed measures include:
- Increasing the minimum age at which dogs can be brought into Great Britain (commercial and non-commercial dog movements).
- Prohibiting the commercial and non-commercial movement into Great Britain of dogs with cropped ears and docked tails.
- Prohibiting the commercial and non-commercial movement of heavily pregnant dams (female dog) into Great Britain.
We believe that these proposed measures will have a significant impact in helping us to address the high and increasing volume of movements of dogs with low welfare standards into Great Britain, under both the commercial and non-commercial rules.
These measures will not apply to domestic movements, including those between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
[1] EFRA 2019 recommendations letter - Correspondence to Secretary of State from the Chair October 2019 about Puppy Smuggling (PDF)
[2] EFRA 2020 written and oral evidence about pet smuggling
[3] Petition to parliament about stopping the rising number of ear-cropped dogs in the UK
[4] Petition to Parliament about banning the exploitative import of young puppies for sale in the UK
- CLEARED ACCESSIBLE VERSION CONDOC - Commercial and non-commercial movements of pets into Great Britain.docx 149.2 KB (Office Word 2007 XML document)
- Dogfen ymgynghori Cymraeg - Symudiadau masnachol ac anfasnachol anifeiliaid anwes i Brydain Fawr CYMRAEG.docx 145.4 KB (Office Word 2007 XML document)
- EFRA 2019 Recommendations Letter
- EFRA 2020 Written and Oral Evidence
- Rising Number of Cropped Ear Dogs Petition
- Ban Exploitative Import of Young Puppies
- Charities/Voluntary Organisations
- Animal welfare campaigners
- Local Authorities
- Consumer Groups
- Business/Private Sector
- Pet Interest Groups
- Pet Carriers
- Transport Organisations
- Veterinarians
- Non-Government Organisation
- Member of the General Public
- Leisure industry
- Tourism industry
- Public Bodies
- Travelling with pets
- Protecting pets from cruelty
- Protecting wildlife
- Pet Ownership
Your browser is out-of-date!
Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now
New guidance from Defra outlines how pet owners can ensure that their pets can travel form the UK to the EU after Brexit in any scenario. In general, Defra recommends that owners should contact their vet at least four months before travelling to get the latest advice. According to Defra, when the UK leaves the […]
Defra updates guidance to pet travel after Brexit
The new guidance outlines procedures and preparations for pet owners in both a no-deal Brexit and a scenario where the UK leaves the EU with an agreement.
New guidance from Defra outlines how pet owners can ensure that their pets can travel form the UK to the EU after Brexit in any scenario. In general, Defra recommends that owners should contact their vet at least four months before travelling to get the latest advice.
According to Defra, when the UK leaves the EU, it will become a third country. In the EU Pet Travel Scheme, there are 3 categorisations of third country:
- Part 1 listed
- Part 2 listed
Pet travel requirements will change depending on what category of third country the UK becomes after Brexit. Third countries can apply to the European Commission to be listed. The UK is likely to be treated as an unlisted country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme if it leaves the EU without a deal.
To read the full recommendations, click here .
Your favourite columns
Have you heard about our IVP Membership?
A wide range of veterinary CPD and resources by leading veterinary professionals.
Stress-free CPD tracking and certification, you’ll wonder how you coped without it.
Latest news
12 April 2024
COWS launches lungworm survey
New series of BSAVA Client Information Leaflets on reptile care and welfare
11 April 2024
Pet insurances prices starting to drop due to CMA formal investigation
10 April 2024
New vet Nurse Merit Award in Dentistry from BSAVA
Travelling with pets
We know your pets are part of your family, which is why we treat every animal who flies with us like a VIP.
British Airways flights
Emotional support dogs
British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet and details on how to arrange this can be found below.
Service dogs
If you’re travelling with a recognised service dog, it can travel with you free of charge in the cabin of your British Airways flight. This service cannot be booked online and we might need to limit the number of dogs we can carry in the cabin.
From the UK
We’ve partnered with PetAir UK, which is run and owned by fully-qualified veterinary surgeons and has been flying pets all over the world since 2004, to offer British Airways customers a safe, comfortable and convenient way to export their pets from the UK.
If you are looking to transport your pet to the UK, our sister company IAG Cargo can help. They have decades of experience transporting animals from every corner of the globe and will look after your pet as if it were their own.
Pet Travel Scheme
If you're entering the UK, your dog must meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme offered by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports avoiding quarantine.
If you're travelling to a different country, please check with the relevant embassy or consulate for any regulations or restrictions.
SUN-AIR flights
SUN-AIR is our franchise partner operating flights within Europe under the British Airways brand. As on British Airways operated flights, recognised service dogs are allowed in the cabin, as well as other pets up to 6kg.
- Other pets must be transported in a waterproof bag or cage, with maximum dimensions of 20 x 30 x 20cm (7.5 x 11.5 x 7.5in).
- It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure that all documentation and animal passports are in order before departure.
- SUN-AIR permits one pet on board each aircraft at one time.
Please contact the SUN-AIR ticket office on +45 75 33 16 11 no later than 72 hours before departure if you wish to bring your pet on a SUN-AIR operated flight. Please note that pets are not permitted on SUN-AIR flights to the United Kingdom.
Pet Travel Paperwork Explained
Pet travel paperwork can feel daunting and complicated, we have put together a guide below to help explain the sorts of documents that may be required for your pets relocation.
Animal Health certificates
An Animal Health Certificate, or ‘AHC’ is required for any accompanied pets travelling from the UK to the EU. Accompanied means when the owner is either travelling on the same flight, or within 5 days of their pet. An AHC has to be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Scottish Government or the Welsh. Pets will need to be examined by the OV no more than 10 days prior to travel to have the AHC completed, signed and stamped.
Find out more about the Animal Health Certificate and travelling to Europe.
Vaccination Cards
Many destinations outside of Europe will require your pet to have had specific vaccinations within particular time-frames prior to your pet’s flight. So if you do not have a Pet Passport recording your pet’s treatment and vaccination history, your vet will need to issue their practice vaccination card which is regarded as official proof of your pet’s vaccinations. The vaccination card must show:
- Pet details such as age, sex, breed, name and microchip number
- Vaccinations history, including type of vaccine, date given, batch number, expiry date and due date.
Something to be aware of – some veterinary practices will print your pet’s history on an in-house system – this will NOT be accepted as sufficient proof of treatments, tests, or vaccinations.
DEFRA Export Health Certificates
This is a document required by most destinations outside of Europe and America and is also required for any unaccompanied pet travel to Europe . Each country has its own specific DEFRA export health certificate and this is drawn up by the UK government to match the countries importing conditions. These certificates need to be signed off by a UK government-approved vet prior to your pet’s travel. The document is applied for well in advance of your pet’s flight and is then posted directly from DEFRA’s office to your nominated vet, about a week or so before the flight. The certificate is then filled in, signed, dated and stamped by your vet at your pet’s final health check-up before the flight. Final check-up timings will vary and health certificate requirements will vary – you can visit DEFRA’s website to download the certificate specific to each destination here.
PBS Pet Travel can apply for a DEFRA Export Health certificate and arrange for it to be posted to your chosen vet or, we can arrange for this to be sent to our airport vet, where your pet can then visit for its final health check prior to the flight.
Import Permits
Most destinations outside of Europe and America will require you to have an import permit or license issued for your pet and this is issued by the country of import. So for example if your pet is travelling from the UK to Hong Kong , you will apply to the relevant authorities in Hong Kong for this to be issued.
The application process for pet import permits will vary, but most countries will allow you to apply for this online through the relevant government website. Most pet import permits are not issued immediately, therefore we recommend applying for your pet’s import permit as soon as possible. You will usually have to pay for your pet’s import permit and may need to provide proof of vaccinations, tests and treatments at the time of application.
As a general rule, a hard copy of the original import permit is NOT required when your pet checks in for their flight out of the UK, however a clear scanned and printed copy must be present. The original permit will need to be presented when the pet is collected on arrival.
If your pet requires a DEFRA export health certificate as well as an import permit, you will need to have your permit issued before the DEFRA export health certificate is signed-off by your vet, as the vet will need to record the import permit number on to the DEFRA export health certificate, so we recommend having this printed and ready to take to your vet’s final health check.
- Importing to UK
- General Rules
- UK Documents Required
- Pet Reception Centres
- Booking Customs Clearance
- Ferret Travel
- Birds, Reptiles & Small Mammals
- Additional Services
- How to Book
- Make a Payment
- Paperwork Explained
- Pet Exports
- Pet Flights
- Road Transport
- Travel Kennels
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Rest of the World
- EU Pet Passport Scheme
GET A QUOTE TODAY
To receive an accurate quote, please complete our free quote form, detailing personal, travel and pet details.
GET A DETAILED QUOTATION
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Pet Travel Scheme helpline: 0370 241 1710 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm) ... Defra Rural Service. ... Contact number; Exporting or moving animals and animal products (where an export health ...
Your pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of the certificate being issued. Published 9 April 2019 Last updated 16 March 2023 + show all updates
7. If a rabies vaccination in an EU issued pet passport has expired whilst the pet has been in GB, an Animal Health Certificate must be issued. Administering the Pet Travel Requirements. 1. The Pet Travel requirements are administered in GB by OVs on behalf of Defra and the devolved administrations for Scotland and Wales. 2.
Pet travel webchat Webchat can help with general pet travel requirements. If you have a specific question, call our helpline. We are running the webchat as a trial, so we may ask you to provide feedback. Webchat opening hours. Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm; Bank holidays, Closed
The changes to the Pet Travel Scheme if the UK becomes an unlisted third country on leaving the EU. ... (AHC). We will contact you again when OVs need to start ordering AHCs instead of EU pet passports for travel after 31 October 2019. An AHC is valid for travel to the EU for up to 10 days after issue and for re-entry to the UK for four months ...
A Defra press release published on 16 December 2020, the Government announced that the EU had awarded the UK part 2 listed status for pet travel from 1 January 2021. This means new rules now apply for pets travelling to Europe and Northern Ireland. The Government has also stated that it would continue to press the European Commission to secure Part 1 listed status, which would allow for ...
Overview. Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government are inviting views from stakeholders and members of the public on new regulations that will enforce directly applicable European Union (EU) changes to the pet travel scheme. The main requirements of the pet travel scheme will not change, but a number of new controls will be ...
If you cannot sign into your Defra account or service, please contact the relevant service using the telephone numbers below. Contact Defra services; Service Phone number; IPAFFS +443300 416 999: Exporter Service +44 3000 200 301: ... Taking a pet from Great Britain to Northern Ireland: 03000 200 301:
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet dogs and cats to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they comply with the regulations. ... Further information on the scheme can be found on the official DEFRA web site. ... Pet Protect Limited is registered in England and Wales with registered number 1774371. Registered office: Pinnacle House, A1 ...
Number 8667 By Elena Ares 1 December 2021 Pet travel after Brexit . ... 3 Defra, New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021, 16 December 2020. Box 1: EU three-tier system . ... AHC to travel with pets is that they contact their local vet in the first instance.
Defra's advice for the public on post-Brexit pet travel states: 'To make sure your pet is able to travel from the UK to the EU from 1 January 2021, you should contact your vet at least four months before travelling to get the latest advice.'
Please contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline for information regarding pet travel: Email: [email protected]. Tel: +44 (0)370 241 1710. For test enquiries including any queries about APHA test report validity (you will need to be able to provide a scan or photograph of the report), please read the FAQ section, or contact our Laboratory ...
Veterinary certificate (for Rabbits, Rodents, and Reptiles etc) This is a health certificate document for domestic pets (other than dogs, cats, ferrets) from non-EU countries to the EU. This form must be completed by a vet within 10 days of travel and can be used to travel to and from the UK and France. It will be inspected by border control ...
Using the AFerry booking form you can book tickets for your pet online with the following ferry companies: All you have to do is choose the number of human passengers in the booking form in the top left corner and then select your pet options on the next screen. Adria Ferries. Balearia (one dog or cat only).
The Bill includes a regulation-making power to introduce restrictions on commercial and non-commercial pet movements into Great Britain on welfare grounds and to make changes to the supporting enforcement regime. We are consulting on these proposed new restrictions, which have been developed utilising recommendations[1] and evidence[2] from the ...
04 April 2019 , at 11:31am. New guidance from Defra outlines how pet owners can ensure that their pets can travel form the UK to the EU after Brexit in any scenario. In general, Defra recommends that owners should contact their vet at least four months before travelling to get the latest advice. According to Defra, when the UK leaves the EU, it ...
This service cannot be booked online and we might need to limit the number of dogs we can carry in the cabin. ... More about DEFRA's Pet Travel scheme ... Please contact the SUN-AIR ticket office on +45 75 33 16 11 no later than 72 hours before departure if you wish to bring your pet on a SUN-AIR operated flight. Please note that pets are not ...
Information about the vital pet travel documents you need for exporting your pet. DEFRA Export Health Certificates, vaccination cards, import permits and AHC. Contact Us on +44 (0)1293 551140 or Email Us at [email protected] Make a Payment. ... as the vet will need to record the import permit number on to the DEFRA export health ...
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel. Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you: Don't see your pet listed below. Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal. Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
Pet Travel helpline [email protected] Telephone: 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays) ... address and contact number, and an email address and mobile numeral if you have theirs; Wales: ... ask the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301 or see and National Bee Unit website for contact information the ...
Super Pet Travel specialises in pet transportation across the UK, and Europe. We Love Pets and What We Do! We are passionate about the service that we provide and understand the full meaning of trust and customer/pet confidentiality. Fully insured, DEFRA approved for pets of all sizes, IPAFF registered and EU compliant with all licenses and ...