Pet Immigration
This section is for all the information you need to know about bringing your pet to the United Kingdom when you immigrate.
If you want to bring your pets to the UK as well, you first need to apply for a ‘Great Britain Pet Health Certificate’. After the certificate is issued, your pet should enter the UK within 10 days.
If the pet is a dog, the UK relevant department will require the dog to be dewormed within 5 days before coming to the country.
The process for bringing pets to the UK is complicated so it is necessary to spare more time to go through the procedures.
Microchip and Rabies Vaccination
Pets should be implanted with a microchip before or when applying for the Great Britain Pet Health Certificate.
The microchip should meet international standards (ISO 11784 and ISO 11785) and is implanted at the same time as or prior to the rabies vaccination.
If the pet has been vaccinated without microchip implantation, it needs to be re-vaccinated after the implementation.
Please note that pets will not be allowed to enter the UK until the 21st day after the rabies vaccination and the microchip implementation.
Pet Dog Must be Dewormed
As mentioned above, dogs should be dewormed no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before entering the UK.
The relevant treatment particulars such as date and time when your dog is vaccinated, the name of the medicine and the name of the manufacturer should be recorded on the ‘Great Britain Pet Health Certificate’ with the signature and the stamp of the responsible veterinarian.
When making an appointment with a veterinarian for deworming, you need to ensure that the veterinarian would sign and stamp on the pet health Certificate.
Endorsement on the pet health certificate
As stated on the GB Pet Health Certificate, the certificate should be endorsed by an official organisation in the area where the pet is originally from.
HK pet owners should apply to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
Below are the procedures:
2. Submit and pay the fees listed on the Fees Schedule.
3. If the certificate needs to be endorsed, prepare a completed pet health certificate (usually issued within 10 days before departure, or as specified by the destination country/place), vaccination records and other relevant documents.
Issuance of official pet health certificate is only available for certain animals or countries (animals require official veterinary inspection designated by the importing country).
4. Before issuing an official pet health certificate, pets should be inspected by an AFCD-appointed veterinary officer.
5. Pet health certificate applicants should call AFCD to make an appointment at least 10 working days before the expected inspection.
If all the veterinary health requirements stipulated by the destination country/place are met, and the applicant has submitted all relevant documents, the pet health certificate will be endorsed in two working days.
Ways to transport your pet
The UK government only allows approved airlines to transport pets to the UK (including England, Scotland and Wales). The list can be found at:
If you bring pets into Northern Ireland
You need to contact DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) separately at:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets
You can only bring a pet into Great Britain on a private boat or plane if you’re travelling from Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Bringing more than 5 pets?
You cannot bring more than 5 pets to the UK (including England, Scotland and Wales) unless they are for competition, show, or sport.
Dogs which are forbidden to enter the UK
The following animals are forbidden for ownership within the UK:
Pit Bull Terrier
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
In addition, different airlines have different regulations for transporting pets.
For example, most airlines do not accept flat-nosed pets on the board.
Be sure to check with the relevant airline in advance.
Pets Arrival in the UK:
Choose the most suitable way for you and your pet, whether by sea or a private jet. Once you and your pet enter the UK (including England, Scotland and Wales), the UK Customs staff will check your pet’s microchip and relevant documents. If you arrive in the UK by sea, your pet will be examined before entering the country.
If there is a problem with the documents, your pet could be put into quarantine or even sent back to the place of origin.
You are responsible for any relevant fees or charges.
After your pet goes through all the customs process, you can go to collect it. Certain agents, travel companies and airlines do provide pet pick-up and delivery services.
If you cannot pick up your pet, you should contact Customs prior to entry to the country, or email nch@hmrc.gov.uk for more information.
Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?
For any questions or inquiries, click the button to get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team who are always ready to assist you.