Bringing a Pet Dog, Cat or Ferret into the UK

You can enter or return to the UK with your pet cat, dog or ferret if it: 

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 refused entry if you travelled by sea. You are responsible for any fees or charges.

You must follow extra rules if the animals will be: 

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 out of the UK  

There are different rules for travelling with your pet to another country from the UK. Check the rules for the country you are travelling to. 

Taking your pet to an EU country  

You will need an EU pet passport. You can use your UK-issued pet passport. If you are travelling with your pet for the first time, you will need to go to your vet to get a pet passport

Travelling to Europe from 1 January 2021 

From 1 January 2021 the rules for travelling to EU countries with your pet will change. You should start the process at least 4 months before you travel

The rules for passports, driving, EHIC cards and more may also change. Check if you need to act now so you can travel as planned

Bringing your pet to the UK 

Your pet must arrive in the UK no more than 5 days before or after you, or you will have to follow different rules

You must use an approved transport company and route unless you are travelling between the UK and Ireland.

You need to fill in a declaration confirming that you are not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet. 

Before you travel 

Check if the company you are travelling with: 

  • will accept your pet for travel - and how many they will accept if you have more than one 

  • needs any proof that your pet is fit and healthy to travel, for example a letter from a vet or certain information in your pet passport 

Authorising someone else to travel with your pet 

Your pet can travel with someone else if you have authorised it in writing. 

Bringing other animals 

The rules are different if you are bringing other animals into the UK.