Travelling with pets to the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Pets need a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel and a pet travel document, and must use an approved route. Dogs need tapeworm treatment before arrival, except from a few countries. Banned dog breeds cannot be brought in, and no more than 5 pets may travel unless attending an event.

RuleWhat applies
Identification and passport or certificateTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretThe pet must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, its rabies vaccination. It also needs a pet travel document: a pet passport, an animal health certificate or a Great Britain pet health certificate, depending on the country it comes from. A pet from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man needs no passport or certificate. [1]
Rabies vaccinationTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretThe pet must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination. The owner must wait at least 21 full days after the first rabies vaccination (or the last of the first course) before travelling; some vaccines take longer to work. [1]
Entry from outside the EU or the usual regionTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretThe pet must arrive on an approved route (not needed when travelling from Ireland). A pet from a country that is neither in the EU nor on the 'listed' countries needs a rabies blood test at least 30 days after vaccination (at least 0.5 IU/ml) and a 3-month wait from the sample date. A pet that does not meet the rules may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months or refused entry. [1]
Number of animals per travellerTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretNo more than 5 pets may be brought to Great Britain unless they are attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event. Then all of them must be over 6 months old, meet the pet travel rules and be covered by written proof of registration and a declaration. [1]
Breed or other restrictionsTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretA banned breed of dog cannot be brought into Great Britain unless it already has a valid Certificate of Exemption. A dog needs tapeworm treatment from a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before arrival, except when it comes directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway. [1]

Notes

  • These rules apply to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has its own pet travel rules, handled by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Sources

  1. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs / GOV.UK: Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.