Microchip your pet
The first step is to properly identify your pet using a microchip.The microchip must be inserted by a qualified person. A qualified person can be:
- a veterinary surgeon, nurse or student.
- someone who attended a microchipping course, with a practical element, before 29 December 2014
- someone who attended an approved microchipping course. (Approved by Welsh Government, Scottish Government or Defra)
Vaccinate your pet
Once the microchip has been fitted, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination. The minimum age for vaccination against rabies for the purposes of pet travel is 12 weeks. The minimum age for vaccination against rabies for the purposes of pet travel is 12 weeks. The length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is 21 days after the vaccination date. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21 day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination. So, pets are not able to travel until they are at least 15 weeks old.
Arrange a blood test
A blood test will confirm if the vaccine has given a satisfactory level of protection against rabies. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination. You cannot enter the UK until three months after the date your vet took a satisfactory blood sample.
Get pet travel documentation
You will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate.
Treat your dog for tapeworm
Before entering the UK, a vet must treat your dog (including assistance dogs) for tapeworm. The treatment must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in the UK.
NB. You do not need to treat your dog for tapeworm if you are travelling to the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway).
Arrange approved travel for your pet
Your pet must enter the UK from an unlisted country:
- travelling with an approved transport company
- on an authorised route
