Important Update on Brexit and Pet Travel to the UK:

If you’re planning to travel to the UK with your pet, it’s important to note that the UK has been following a PET TRAVEL SCHEME for all pets arriving there since April 2017. While there’s no quarantine for cats and dogs in the UK, provided all import requirements are met, planning your pet’s travel carefully is crucial to ensure a safe and smooth move. The United Kingdom is a popular destination for relocation and pet travel, and we’re here to help you navigate the process easily.

Here are the basic requirements for pets traveling from the US to the UK:

1. Your pet must have a microchip implanted and scanned.
2. A rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel and after the microchip has been implanted. You must also provide a certificate of vaccination.
3. Your pet must have an EU Health Certificate (either Annex IV for non-commercial travel or Annex I for commercial travel) or an EU Passport.
4. Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment within 1-5 days of entry into the UK.
5. You must obtain a USDA or Government Military Vet Endorsement for the EU Health Certificate.

I hope this helps!

Rabies Vaccination Requirement

In 2017, DEFRA made the rules for rabies vaccination stricter. According to these rules, the primary rabies vaccination is given right after the microchip, which must either be a 1-year or 3-year vaccination within the first year when the pet travels. This means that if your pet was given a 3-year vaccination right after the microchip and is now in its second or third year, it is no longer valid for entry into the UK.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the rabies vaccination. It’s a requirement that ensures the safety of our community. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action now and get vaccinated against this deadly disease.

Please take note of the following requirements for bringing a pet into the UK from an EU country or a listed country such as the United States:

• Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of its rabies vaccination.
• The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before the pet’s final health exam before departure.
• The vaccine should be given after the microchip has been implanted.
• This rule applies to pets from EU countries and listed countries like the United States. If your pet comes from an unlisted country, there will be stricter rules. For instance, if your pet is implanted with a microchip and then given a three-year rabies vaccination, the vaccination must be within the first year when your pet arrives in the UK. If not, your pet will need another vaccination to be considered valid.

Travel with your pet to the UK: Essential guide to UK/EU Pet Passports

Get ready to explore the world with your furry companion by your side! Here’s everything you need to know about Pet Passports for the United Kingdom and European Union.

 

Many people think their pet needs an EU Pet Passport to travel to the UK, but it’s not mandatory. While an EU Pet Passport can simplify the process, it’s not essential for importing pets into the UK. Only an official European Union (EU) veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport. So, if your pet comes from a non-EU country and doesn’t have an EU Pet Passport, you’ll have to meet the abovementioned requirements.

Suppose your pet has an EU Pet Passport with an expired rabies vaccination or a vaccination that an EU veterinarian didn’t update. In that case, they must follow the import steps mentioned above. This includes completing the EU Health Certificate endorsed by the USDA or Government Military Vet.

On the other hand, if your pet has an EU Pet Passport and an EU veterinarian recorded its rabies vaccination and is still valid, then your pet will only require the EU Pet Passport to travel to the UK. However, the airline your pet is traveling with will still need to conduct a health check within ten days of travel to ensure your pet is fit to fly. Nonetheless, a government vet’s endorsement of this health certificate is not required.

Understanding the Difference Between Commercial and Non-Commercial Pet Travel and UK’s Requirements

There are two types of pet travel: commercial and non-commercial. Commercial pet travel is when a pet travel company, such as an airline or pet transport service, transports a pet. Non-commercial pet travel is when the pet owner, a friend, or a family member transports a pet.

If you want to bring your pet into the UK, it’s important to know that you must arrive within five days before or after it arrives for it to be considered “non-commercial.” This requires careful planning, including scheduling vaccinations, booking travel arrangements, and arranging a visit to the vet for a final health certificate. You may need additional documentation if your pet’s vaccinations are older than 12 months.

Although you can still bring your pet as a commercial shipment, it’s important to note that the commercial health certificate is only valid for two days instead of ten days. Additionally, as a pet owner, you may be subject to additional VAT taxes upon arrival of the pet import.

Pet Travel to UK After Brexit: Key Info You Need to Know!

With the upcoming Brexit decision, it is crucial to plan ahead for your pet’s relocation to the UK! DEFRA has advised pet owners who plan to travel with their pets to Europe after Brexit to contact their vets at least four months before travel to prepare for all scenarios, including No Deal. If there is no Brexit deal, pet travel from the UK to the EU will be affected.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on January 31st, 2020, and becomes a non-listed country, pets traveling from the UK to the EU will need to have a rabies titer blood test at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine. After that, they will have to wait for 3 months before they can travel from the UK to the EU.

Vets will need to ensure that the pet has a microchip, proof of primary rabies vaccination and that it is up-to-date with all vaccinations. Additionally, they will need to carry out a blood test to demonstrate sufficient levels of rabies antibody. The blood test should be done a minimum of 30 days after the pet’s last rabies vaccination, whether that’s a booster or initial vaccination, and a minimum of three calendar months before travel. A current EU pet passport issued in the UK will not be valid for travel to the EU. Instead, pet owners must apply for an Animal Health Certificate no more than ten days before travel.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit

Importing Pets to the UK? Get Your ToR Number Now to Avoid Paying VAT Later!

Effective April 2017, the UK government now mandates a ToR (Transfer of Residence) number for customs processing and VAT for all pets being imported to the UK. Continental Pet Relocation can help you with this process to ensure you have everything you need to bring your pet to the UK. We strongly advise you to complete the ToR Application as soon as possible to avoid paying the VAT when your pet arrives. If your pet arrives in the UK before receiving your ToR number, you must pay the VAT and seek reimbursement later. This declaration, sometimes called the ToR, replaces the C5 Customs Form. As a pet owner, you can secure this form before traveling or pay a tax upon arrival. You can find the ToR Application here.

Additional Details:

• This new regulation applies to all imported goods, not just pets.
• If you are a pet owner planning to import your pet, apply for the Transfer of Residence (ToR) form well in advance. It has been observed that it may take up to 30 days to process the form, so it is recommended to apply at least two weeks before the date of arrival.
• Please note that if you arrive in the UK without this form, you will be required to pay Customs VAT as a deposit before your pet can be released. This deposit can be expensive, so it is advisable to apply for the ToR form in advance. However, the deposit can be refunded upon proof of exit from the UK.
• You can download the form from the link provided here and submit it to [email protected]