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How do I bring my dog or cat to the UK?

By LandfallFor US citizens and green card holders moving to the UKDownload as PDF

The short answer

Dogs, cats and ferrets can come from the US without quarantine if you follow the rules in the right order: microchip, then rabies vaccination, then wait at least 21 days, then a health certificate shortly before travel. Dogs also need a tapeworm treatment just before arrival. Most pets must fly as cargo, not in the cabin.

This covers travel to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has different rules.

The steps, in order

Order matters: get it wrong and your pet may have to go into quarantine at your cost.

  1. Microchip your pet. It must be done before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.
  2. Rabies vaccination, from at least 12 weeks old.
  3. Wait at least 21 days after the first rabies vaccination before travel.
  4. Animal health certificate, issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS, within a short window before you travel.
  5. Dogs only: tapeworm treatment by a vet between 1 and 5 days (24 to 120 hours) before arriving in Great Britain, recorded on the certificate.

Getting here

  • Pets must arrive on an approved route with an approved carrier.
  • Most airlines don’t allow pets in the cabin on flights to the UK, except recognized assistance dogs. Pets usually fly in the hold as cargo.
  • Pet relocation companies handle the paperwork and booking for a fee, which many families find worth it.

Banned and restricted breeds

Some dog types are banned or restricted, including pit bull terrier types and, since 2024, XL Bully dogs in England, Wales and Scotland. Check before you plan to bring a dog of a similar type.

Other pets

Birds, rabbits, reptiles and other animals have different rules. Check GOV.UK for your animal.

Once you’re here

  • Register with a UK vet soon after you arrive.
  • Dogs must wear a collar and tag with your name and address in public, and must be microchipped and registered on a UK database.
  • Pet insurance is common, because UK vet bills aren’t covered by anything else.

What to do next

Build your move plan. Pet travel is included under shipping and logistics.

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General information, not personal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.