Taking your pet to the UK

The PETS Travel Scheme

It is possible to take a pet dog, cat or ferret to the United Kingdom, without having to put it into quarantine for six months, by using through the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

Procedure

To be eligible for the PETS Travel Scheme, a pet dog, cat or ferret must meet the following conditions:

It must have been resident in the EU or non-EU listed countries – see the list of qualifying non-European Union countries and territories – for at least six months;
It must first have had a microchip implanted and then have been vaccinated, in that order, against rabies using a suitable inactivated vaccine – see our microchip, vaccination and analysis page for detail;
(Only for cats and dogs) It must have had a blood sample taken (this is normally done a month after the vaccination in order to allow it to take effect; if the animal has been regularly vaccinated then this period can be shortened, your vet can advise) and this sample must have been tested at an approved laboratory – see the DEFRA official list for detail;
(Cats, dogs and ferrets) It must have been treated against ticks and tapeworm not less than 24 and not more than 48 hours before being checked-in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK – see our further treatment required page for detail;
It must have an EU Pet Passport in accordance with European Regulation 998/2003. The Passport will be issued directly by the Official Local Veterinary Authority (ASL) – see the EU Pet Passport page for detail.