From 1 January 2012 the rules for bringing pet dogs, cats, and ferrets into the UK will change. All pets entering the UK will still need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. However under the new rules pet dogs, cats and ferrets from other EU Member States, and listed approved countries, will not need a blood test and can enter the UK 21 days after their rabies vaccination (rather than having to wait 6 months after their blood test). Further information can be found below and on the Defra website.
Pets entering the UK from non-approved countries will still require a blood test, which should be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before entry into the UK. Providing they meet these requirements they will no longer be required to undergo quarantine on entry.
| |
EU and approved third countries
|
Non-approved countries |
| Microchip |
Yes |
Yes |
| Rabies vaccination |
Yes |
Yes |
| Documentation* |
Yes |
Yes |
| Blood test |
No |
Yes. At least 30 dayspost vaccination |
| Length of waiting period before entry |
21 days after vaccination against rabies |
3 months after blood test sample date |
| Tick treatment |
No |
No |
| Tapeworm treatment** |
1-5 days before entry |
1-5 days before entry |
* EU Pet Passport or official veterinary certificate from third country
** Dogs only
The up to date list of non-EU countries and specific requirements relating to these countries can be found on the Defra website.
Pets travelling from the UK to EU countries will also need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travelling. It should be noted that these regulations now also apply to dogs entering the UK from the Republic of Ireland. However Defra has stated that
“As both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied. Pet owners travelling with their pets should therefore not experience any change on the ground from 1 January.”
The number of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) that can be moved between EU Member States, including into and out of the UK, is limited to five per person. Anyone moving more animals, for example to take part in a show or sporting event will require a specific health certificate issued by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Countries outside the EU will continue to set their own entry requirements. It is important to note that these changes may have an effect on the entry requirements to other countries, for example from From 1 January 2012, cats and dogs from the UK, will be required to have a rabies vaccination and rabies blood test prior to entry into Australia.
Simple guidance charts
Cats and dogs entering the UK from an EU member state or listed 3rd country - view chart
Cats and dogs entering the UK from an unlisted 3rd country - view chart