Bringing a cat or dog to United Kingdom (Great Britain)
Covers pet cats and dogs entering Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). Northern Ireland has separate guidance.
Last reviewed 2026-10-13 against official sources.
- Use an approved route CatsDogs
Book a travel route and carrier approved for pet travel into Great Britain. Pets arriving by plane generally fly as cargo, unless on a chartered private plane or travelling as a guide or assistance dog. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain] - Microchip first CatsDogs
The microchip must go in before the rabies vaccine or on the same visit; otherwise the vaccine has to be repeated. Chips meeting ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 can be read by staff on approved routes. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain] - Rabies vaccine from 12 weeks CatsDogs
Your vet needs proof the animal is at least 12 weeks old before giving the rabies vaccine. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain] - Wait at least 21 full days CatsDogs
Travel no earlier than 21 full days after the first rabies vaccination (or the last dose of the primary course). The day after vaccination counts as day 1; some vaccines need longer. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain] - Blood test if coming from an unlisted non-EU country CatsDogs
From a country that is neither in the EU nor "listed", a blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination must show at least 0.5 IU/ml of rabies antibodies, and you then wait 3 months from the sample date before travelling. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain] - Travel document CatsDogs
Carry a valid pet passport, an animal health certificate issued in Great Britain, or a Great Britain pet health certificate signed by an official veterinarian. With a Great Britain pet health certificate, the pet must arrive within 10 days of issue. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain] - Tapeworm treatment (dogs) Dogs
If required, a vet treats your dog for tapeworm between 24 hours and 5 days before you arrive. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain] - Five-pet limit CatsDogs
More than 5 pets is allowed only for a competition, show or sporting event (with proof); otherwise stricter commercial rules apply. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain]
Quarantine: No routine quarantine if every rule is met; a pet that fails the checks may be quarantined for up to 4 months, or refused entry if it travelled by sea, at the owner's cost. [source]