Taking your pet abroad
Pet travel regulations enable you to avoid putting your pet dog, cat or ferret into quarantine when you travel to certain countries. To qualify for exemption from quarantine, you must meet various conditions relating to your pets health.
The rules differ depending on whether you are travelling to an EU country/Northern Ireland or to a non-EU country.
We strongly recommend that you find out the latest information by visiting the government website page here.
Travelling to an EU country
In summary
You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain. This has been replaced by an Animal Health Certificate which must be issued no more than 10 days before you travel. The certificate must be signed by an official vet. Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain.
When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:
- a microchip
- a valid rabies vaccination
- an animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland (see above)
- tapeworm treatment for dogs if you're travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta
Travelling to a non EU country
In summary:
You will require an export health certificate and an export application form. In addition, you should check the rules of the country you're travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.
Additional help & support
You can access more help & support here
Other considerations
- take your pet for a health check by your vet in advance of your journey. Get advice from your vet on pregnant animals.
- speak to the carrier in advance to ascertain the conditions that your pet will travel in and to ensure that you have the required paperwork.
- do not use sedatives unless advised by a vet.
- give your pet only a light meal about 2 hours before travel.
- check with the carrier that your pet will have full and constant access to fresh water.
- use a container which enables your pet to stand, sit and lie down in a natural position, and to turn around easily. The container should contain absorbent bedding and provide ample ventilation. A familiar toy can help your pet get used to the container.
- ensure that your pet will not be exposed to extreme temperatures.
- try and match your pets sleeping patterns by travelling overnight where possible
