Your pet’s safe trip

Ship a Pet to the UK: Essential Guide for Dog and Cat Travel to England in 2025

Pet Travel Crate Requirements

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets strict standards for pet travel containers entering England. Crates must be constructed of rigid plastic or wood with metal doors and secure fasteners.

Size requirements stipulate that pets must stand naturally with head not touching the roof. They must be able to turn around completely and lie down comfortably.

Essential crate features include:

• Solid construction with no plastic or wooden parts that pets can chew
• Metal door with secure locking mechanism
• Ventilation holes on all four sides
• Leak-proof bottom with absorbent bedding
• Water container accessible from outside
• "Live Animal" labels in English
• Directional arrows indicating upright position

Familiarize your pet with the crate weeks before travel by creating positive associations. Place treats, toys, and familiar bedding inside to reduce stress during the journey.

Documentation and Paperwork

Proper documentation is essential when shipping a pet to the UK. Ensuring all paperwork is correct and complete helps avoid delays, quarantine, or even entry refusal for your pet.

Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate

Dogs and cats entering the UK require either a Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Pet Passports are only available to UK and EU residents, while travelers from other countries need an AHC.

The AHC must be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel to the UK. This document confirms your pet meets all health requirements, including microchipping and rabies vaccination.

AHCs are valid for entry to the UK for up to 10 days after issuance, for onward travel within the EU for 4 months, and for re-entry to the UK for 4 months. Each certificate covers only one trip.

Customs Declaration Process

When arriving in the UK with a pet, owners must declare their animal to customs officials. This process varies slightly depending on the port of entry.

At major airports with animal reception centers, pets must be delivered directly to these facilities. Staff will check all documentation and verify compliance with entry requirements.

Pet owners should complete a C5 Customs Declaration Form prior to arrival. This form includes details about the pet, owner contact information, and declaration that the pet is not for commercial sale.

Travelers should be prepared to pay any applicable VAT or duties if bringing a new pet to the UK. Animals brought for breeding or commercial purposes face additional requirements.

Import Permits and Supporting Documents

While standard pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) don't require import permits for the UK, additional supporting documents are necessary. These include:

Proof of microchipping - Documentation showing the pet was microchipped before or at the same time as rabies vaccination.

Rabies vaccination certificate - Must show vaccination date, vaccine details, and that the pet was at least 12 weeks old at time of vaccination.

Tapeworm treatment certificate - For dogs only, must be administered 24-120 hours before scheduled arrival time.

Some pets may require additional health certificates if traveling from countries with specific disease concerns. These requirements change based on the current health status of the originating country.

All documents must be originals (not copies) and written in English or accompanied by certified translations. Incomplete documentation is the most common reason for entry refusal.

Arrival and Post-Arrival Procedures

When your pet arrives in the UK, several procedures must be followed to ensure a smooth transition through customs and into their new home. Understanding these processes beforehand will help reduce stress for both you and your pet.

Entry Inspection and Quarantine

All pets arriving in the UK undergo mandatory document checks and identity verification by Border Force officials. The microchip will be scanned to confirm it matches the documentation, and officials will verify the rabies vaccination and other required treatments are valid and properly documented.

If all paperwork is in order and requirements have been met, pets are typically cleared immediately without quarantine. However, if there are discrepancies in documentation or non-compliance with entry requirements, pets may be placed into quarantine for up to four months at the owner's expense.

Quarantine costs approximately £30 per day, making it significantly more expensive than ensuring proper documentation beforehand. The UK operates on a strict compliance policy with no exceptions, so meticulous preparation is essential.

Collecting Your Pet at the Airport

Pets arriving as cargo must be collected from the airport's animal reception center, not the passenger terminal. In London Heathrow, this is the Animal Reception Centre (HARC), which operates 24/7 for animal collections.

Owners should arrive with:

• Original passport or photo ID
• Copy of the pet's health certificate
• Flight details
• Payment method for any outstanding fees

Processing typically takes 2-4 hours after the flight lands, though this can vary depending on flight arrivals and staff availability. It's advisable to track the flight and call the reception center before departing to collect your pet.

Many pet owners opt to use a pet courier service for airport collection, especially if they're unfamiliar with the process or unable to collect their pet immediately after arrival.

Settling Your Dog or Cat in England

After arrival, allow your pet time to adjust to their new environment. Create a quiet space with familiar items from home like bedding and toys to help them feel secure.

Monitor your pet closely for the first 48 hours for signs of travel-related stress or health concerns. Common issues include:

• Temporary appetite loss
• Changes in bathroom habits
• Lethargy or excessive sleep

Register with a local veterinarian within the first week of arrival for a post-travel health check. This establishes care with a UK vet and ensures any travel-related health issues are promptly addressed.

UK pet owners should consider pet insurance, as veterinary care can be expensive. Many providers offer coverage for both routine and emergency care. Additionally, updating your pet's microchip information with your UK address and contact details is essential for identification if they become lost.

UK Pet Import Regulations

Approved Routes and Carriers for Pet Travel to the UK

Microchipping and Identification

Rabies Vaccination Guidelines