This article is for pet owners who want to take their pets into the UK from abroad and do not want to place them into quarantine upon arrival in the UK. It is especially relevant for UK based pets re-entering the UK after a period away or overseas based pets entering the UK for the first time.
We will cover the requirements and procedures for entering, or re-entering, the UK with your pet under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). The madreddog site also includes information on the requirements and procedures for pets travelling from the UK to the EU under the PETS scheme.
Pet Travel Scheme for entry to the UK
PETS is the scheme by which pets travelling with their owners can move between EU countries provided they have a valid EU Pet Passport, are up to date with their rabies vaccination and meet any additional entry requirements of their destination country. A detailed step by step guide on how to apply for an EU Pet Passport is available on the madreddog site. The PETS scheme is valid for cats, dogs and ferrets.
Pets can only enter, or re-enter, the UK under the PETS scheme if they come directly from an EU or Non-EU listed country. A list of EU and Non-EU listed countries which operate under the PETS scheme is available on the madreddog site.
The 6 month rule
Your pet must not have been outside of an EU or Non-EU listed country in the 6 calendar months prior to entering the UK. If your pet has been outside of these countries you will either have to keep it outside the UK in an EU or Non-EU listed country for 6 calendar months before entry or it will have to be entered into quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
Authorised routes and approved travel companies
Pets travelling to the UK under the PETS scheme can only do so via authorised routes and approved travel companies. An up to date list of authorised routes and approved travel companies is available on the DEFRA website. You will need to travel to another EU listed country that has an authorised route into the UK if there is no authorised route from your country.
If you use a travel company that has not been approved or you use an unauthorised route your pet will have to be entered into quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
EU Pet Passport UK entry checks
Pets travelling to the UK by ferry or rail, via an authorised route with an approved travel company, will be inspected by travel staff before boarding. This inspection involves reading your pet's microchip and checking your pet's EU Pet Passport and other related travel documents. For pets travelling by air the PETS inspection will be carried out upon arrival in the UK.
Remember your pet must be treated for parasites (ticks and tapeworms) by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before checking in with the approved transport company. The vet must complete sections VI and VII of the EU Pet Passport.
UK based pets going away on day trips will need to be treated by a vet in the UK no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before checking in for their return journey to the UK.
