Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain — a traveller's guide
These rules apply when bringing pet dogs, cats or ferrets into Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). The sequence matters — get the steps in the right order.
Step 1 — Microchip, before the rabies vaccine
Microchip your pet. They must be microchipped before they get their rabies vaccination. The chip is the anchor for all later documentation, so it comes first.
Step 2 — Rabies vaccination and the waiting period
Vaccinate your pet against rabies. How long you must wait before travelling depends on the vaccine used: at least 21 full days after the first vaccination (or the last of the first course of vaccinations).
Step 3 — Get a pet travel document from your vet
You need a pet travel document from your vet. For most non-UK-resident travellers this is an animal health certificate (AHC). Note that GB pet passports are no longer issued to residents — most travellers now use an AHC. Depending on the country you are travelling from, you might also need a blood test for rabies.
Step 4 — Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
If you have a dog, your vet may need to give tapeworm treatment. The dog must be treated no less than 24 hours before (and no more than 5 days before) you arrive in Great Britain.
What happens if you don't comply
Non-compliance is serious: your pet may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months if you do not follow these rules — or refused entry if you travelled by sea.
Banned breeds
Great Britain restricts certain breeds: you cannot bring a banned breed of dog into Great Britain unless it already has a valid Certificate of Exemption.
Sources
gb_pet_import_rules— rules apply to GB (England, Wales, Scotland); microchip before rabies vaccination; rabies wait at least 21 full days; pet travel document from vet; dog tapeworm treatment 24h–5 days before arrival; quarantine up to 4 months or refused entry by sea; banned-breed Certificate of Exemption.pet_travel_uk_entry_requirements— microchip before rabies vaccine; ≥21 full days wait; dog tapeworm 24h–5 days before arrival; possible rabies blood test by country of departure; AHC for non-residents; GB pet passports no longer issued to residents; quarantine up to 4 months.