When you bring your pet to the UK (England, Wales and Scotland), for example on a visa Global Talent you will need to follow certain rules and obtain the necessary certificates for your pet. The rules depend on which animal you import and from which country you bring it.
Transportation of animals to the UK
You can enter the UK or return with your domestic cat, dog or cat if they:
- They were chiped
- Have a pet passport or medical certificate
- They were vaccinated from rage.
- A blood test will also be required if you are traveling from a country that is not on the UK government list.
- You must use an approved route – unless you are traveling through the UK or from Ireland.
- You need to complete a declaration if you are not going to sell or transfer ownership to your pet.
- Dogs also usually need to undergo treatment for strip worms.
Fines for non-compliance with animal transport rules
Your pet can be placed in quarantine for up to 4 months if you do not comply with these rules, or refused entry if you have travelled by sea.
Additional Rules
You must also follow additional rules if any of the following items are suitable for you:
- You are going to sell or transfer ownership of an animal.
- your pet arrives more than 5 days before or after your arrival
- You bring more than 5 animals and do not attend competitions, shows or sports events or train for them
Before the trip
- Check if the company you are traveling with will accept your pet on a trip and how much they will take if you have more than one
- Do you need any additional evidence that your pet is ready for travel, such as a letter from a veterinarian or certain information in your pet’s passport or health certificate?
- Your pet can travel with someone else if you have given written permission to do so.
Transportation of other animals
If you import other species of animals to the UK, the rules for import are different.
