You can enter or return to the UK with your pet cat, dog or ferret if it:
has been microchipped
has a pet passport or third-country official veterinary certificate
has been vaccinated against rabies - it will also need a blood test if you’re travelling from an ‘unlisted country’
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:
sold in the UK from outside the EU or inside the EU
rehomed in the UK from inside or outside the EU
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.