Bring Your Pet to
United Kingdom
Quarantine Request
No
Preparation Time
1.5 - 3 months
Blood Test
- Rabies vaccination
- Microchip - must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Health Certificate
- within 10 days prior to departure for cats
- within 5 days prior to departure for dogs
Import Permit
- No
Requirements and Timeline
Travel Method
- Pet in cabin
- Pet in hold
- Pet in cargo
Quarantine Request
- No
Others
- 5-day rule
The necessary procedures and documents for bringing cats and dogs to the UK
Microchipping: The UK government requires all imported cats and dogs to be microchipped. There are 2 types of internationally recognized microchips, AVID and ISO. British law requires that in addition to dogs that need to be registered in the microchip database, starting from 10th June, 2024, cats must also register their microchips in the microchip database. Owners must ensure that their cats are registered in the British government standard database, otherwise they will face a fine of 500 pounds. As most of the databases accept ISO microchips only, hence we recommend using ISO microchips.
Rabies vaccination and provide the vaccination record: A valid rabies vaccination should be administered by an authorised veterinarian at least 21 days before travel.
Official health certificate: A veterinarian will issue an official health certificate to pets that have completed the final health examination. The official health certificate will include information of owner, vet, pets’ microchip, vaccination record etc.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) endorsement: Cats and dogs must hold a health certificate issued by the AFCD within 5-10 days when departing for the UK, proving that the pet's health condition can successfully cope with the flight.
Tapeworm treatment: Dogs are required to have tapeworm treatment administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before entering the UK.
In Cabin | Airline Recommendation: AF, LH, LX, KLM Pros: Your pet can stay with you for the whole journey Cons: There are limitations of size and weight for your pet according to the airline policy. Travel hour is long, 24-40 hr, need to consider flight delay |
In Hold | Airline Recommendation: AF, LH, LX, QR Pros: You will pick up at the oversized baggage collection point upon arrival. Cons: Once your pet is in the hold, you won't have access to them until the flight is over. Travel hours are long, 24-40 hr. You need to consider flight delays. |
In Cargo | Airline Recommendation: CX, BA Pros: It can accept large pets, snub nose breeds or multiple pets according to airline policy. Cons: Clearance time is long, 6-8 hr. There is a separate pickup point. |
The 5-Day Rule
Starting from Dec 2014, entering EU countries (including the UK), all pets must arrive within five days before or after the owner's arrival before they can be considered as personal pets. Otherwise, they will be considered for commercial use, and the supporting documents will be different. Extra fees may also be required.
If you wish to move to the UK with your pet, please contact us and we can suggest a better route, direct flight by cargo or travel to the EU first then transit by pet taxi to the UK. After that, we can start preparation.
Our Services
Recommended Preparation Time : Approximately 3 months
Total vet house call/ vet trip : 2 time
Standard Services
• Vet Services: Includes ISO Microchip, Rabies Vaccination, and Parasite Treatment
• Pet Space Reservation
• Documents Handling
• Departure Day Transportation: Pet Transfer
• Departure Day Check-in
• Destination Clearance
Premium Services
(Includes all Standard Services)
• GHP Blood Test: Home blood sampling
• Free Reschedule: Unlimited changes to pet space bookings
• House Call Measurement: Home visit for pet crate sizing
• Departure Day Transportation: Pet & owner transfer
• Departure Day Video Call
• Live Location Tracking: Real-time updates during delivery (region-specific)
• 100% Refund Policy: Full refund guarantee (subject to terms & conditions)
Please note: The information on these destination pages is about relocating dogs and cats from Hong Kong. If you are relocating from other countries or have different types of pets, additional documents and veterinary work may be required. Please contact us to learn about your customized pet immigration plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
