If you want to travel with your pet, you need to be aware of which documents you need and are valid for each journey. GB-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid in the EU.
If you have a pet passport issued by Spain or another EU member state, you can use it to travel with your pet to Great Britain and elsewhere in the EU.
A GB-issued EU pet passport is not valid for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. You should speak to your vet before you travel to get the necessary documents and ensure you’re compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.
Taking your pet to Great Britain
These rules apply to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). There are separate rules for travelling to Northern Ireland.
You can enter or return to Great Britain with your pet cat, dog or ferret if it:
- has a microchip
- has a pet passport or health certificate
- has been vaccinated against rabies. It will also need a blood test if you’re travelling from an country that is not ‘listed’.
Dogs must also usually have a tapeworm treatment.
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. You’re responsible for any fees or charges.
Other rules are:
- Your pet must arrive in Great Britain no more than 5 days before or after you, or you’ll have to follow different rules.
- You must use an approved route unless you’re travelling within the UK or from Ireland.
- You need to fill in a declaration form confirming that you are not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet.
Before you travel
Check if the company you’re travelling with:
- will accept your pet for travel – and how many they’ll accept if you have more than one
- needs any proof that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. For example a letter from a vet or certain information in your pet passport.
Authorising someone else to travel with your pet
Your pet can travel with someone else if you’ve authorised it in writing.
Bringing other animals
The rules are different if you’re bringing other animals into Great Britain.
Travel within the EU
Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.
