Since January 31, 2020, and until further notice, due to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Community, commonly known as Brexit, all those who wish to move their pets between the UK and Europe, and vice versa, must adapt to the new changes that directly affect the veterinary requirements. These requirements are crucial if you want to transport your pet to the UK.
Requirements for entry into the UK for non-commercial transports
This type of movement is carried out by the animal accompanied by the owner or an authorized person, either in the same means of transport or a different one, as long as they travel within five days before or after the owner/authorized person’s journey and do not involve a change of ownership.
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets must have an ISO-compatible microchip, which should be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination, never after. Tattoos will also be accepted for all animals that were tattooed before July 3, 2011.
- They must have a European or British Pet Passport, or a certificate ASE-2985.
- Rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before departure and not before 12 weeks of age (very important in the case of primary vaccination, check the vaccine administration method as indicated by the manufacturer and when immunity is established).
- Between 24 and 120 hours before departure, the dog, cat, or ferret must be examined by a veterinarian for a clinical examination in the Pet Passport.
- Between 24 and 120 hours before departure, the dog or ferret must be treated against internal parasites (Echinococcus Multilocularis) using any product containing Praziquantel as the active ingredient.
In addition to the mentioned veterinary requirements, we must also consider how and when pets are transported, which can be divided into 3 options:
Requirements for entry into the UK for commercial transports
Movements that do not fit the non-commercial category involve processing through the markets module in CEXGAN by registered exporters/operators, among other requirements.
- Movements of groups of more than five cats, dogs, or ferrets per person travelling (except for exceptions to participate in events or competitions).
- Movements of cats, dogs, and ferrets involving a change of ownership and/or rehoming, including rescue animals (such as movements from Animal Welfare Associations or sales).
- Pets that cannot comply with the requirement of travelling within five days with their owner or authorized person.
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets must have an ISO-compatible microchip, which should be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination, never after. Tattoos will also be accepted for all animals that were tattooed before July 3, 2011.
- Rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before departure and not before 12 weeks of age. It is essential, in the case of primary vaccination, to check the vaccine administration method as indicated by the manufacturer and when immunity is established.
- They must have a European or British Pet Passport. Between 24 and 120 hours before departure, the dog, cat, or ferret must be examined by a veterinarian to obtain a health certificate. Hire an authorized operator, such as BaggagePets, to apply for and issue a certificate ASE-2944.
- Between 24 and 120 hours before departure, the dog or ferret must be treated against internal parasites (Echinococcus Multilocularis) using any product containing Praziquantel as the active ingredient.
- For more information, you can visit the website of the UK Government.
As BaggagePets is an approved agent of IAG Cargo, if you need to transport your pet to the UK and have any doubts, you can contact us by filling out the budget form, and we will help you by providing all the necessary information you need.
