*NEW INFORMATION ADDED REGARDING BREXIT 

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for relocation and pet travel. The UK follows a PET TRAVEL SCHEME for all pets arriving in to the UK, effective APRIL 2017. While there is no quarantine for cats and dogs in the UK when all import requirements are met, detailing a safe and smooth move plan for your pet can be a delicate process. 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PETS FROM THE US TO THE UK

1. Microchip (Implanted and Scanned)
2. Rabies Vaccination (PRIMARY 1 YEAR) and Certificate (must be at least 21 days prior to travel and administered after the microchip
3. EU Health Certificate (Annex IV – non commercial or Annex I – commercial) or EU Passport
4. Tapeworm Treatment (for dogs only) within 1-5 days of entry to the UK
5. USDA or Government Military Vet Endorsement for EU Health Certificate

RABIES VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

The rabies vaccination rules became stricter in 2017, as DEFRA began enforcing that the primary rabies vaccination (the one given right after the microchip) must either be a 1-year vaccination or a 3-year vaccination still within the first year when the pet travels. This means that if your pet was given a 3-year vaccination right after the microchip that is now in its second or third year, it is no longer valid for entry into the UK. 

Additional Details:

• Pet must be 12 weeks old at time of rabies vaccination
• The rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of the pet’s final health exam before departure.
• The vaccine must have been administered after the microchip was implanted.
• This rule applies to pets coming from EU countries and listed countries such as the United States — if you’re coming from an unlisted country, stricter rules will apply.
• Example Scenario: If a pet has a microchip implanted and is then given a three year rabies vaccination, the vaccination must be within its FIRST YEAR when the pet arrives in the UK. Otherwise, the pet would need another vaccination in order for it to be considered valid.

EU Pet Passports

Many people believe that their pet needs an EU Pet Passport to travel to the UK. Although an EU Pet Passport does simplify the process, it is not necessary for importing pets into the UK. An EU Pet Passport can only be issued by an official veterinarian in the European Union (EU) so if your pet is coming from another country outside of the EU and does not have an EU Pet Passport yet, you’ll need to follow the above-listed requirements.

Pets that have an EU Pet Passport with an expired rabies vaccination listed or a vaccination that was updated by a veterinarian who was not in the EU will also be required to follow the import steps listed above – which includes completing the EU Health Certificate endorsed by the USDA or Government Military Vet 

On the other hand, if your pet does have an EU Pet Passport and the rabies vaccination was recorded by an EU veterinarian and is still valid, your pet will only need the EU Pet Passport to travel to the UK. The airline your pet is traveling with will still require a health check by an accredited within 10 days of travel to ensure your pet is okay to fly, but an endorsement from a government vet of this health certificate is not required.

Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Pet Travel

The UK requires Pet Owners to arrive into the country within +/- 5 days in order for the animal to be considered a “non commercial” pet. This requires some planning with the vaccines, travel booking, and vet appointment for final health certificate. Additional documentation may be required for pets with vaccines more than 12 months old.

While you can still import your pet as a commercial shipment, the commercial health certificate is only valid for 2 days rather than 10 days and the Pet Owner is subject to additional VAT taxes upon arrival of the pet import. 

BREXIT 

With the pending Brexit decision, it is more important than ever to plan well in advance regarding your pet relocation to the UK! DEFRA has been advising pet owners planning 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, travel for pets from the UK to the EU will be affected.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 JANUARY 2020, and the UK becomes a non listed country, pets traveling from the UK to the EU will require a rabies titer blood test at least 30 days after rabies vaccine, followed by a 3 month wait before able to travel from the UK to the EU.

Vet will need to ensure the pet has a microchip, proof of a primary rabies vaccination and is current, and a blood test to demonstrate sufficient levels of rabies antibody. The blood test needs to be carried out a minimum of 30 days after its 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 would need to apply an Animal Health Certificate no more than 10 days before travel.

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

The “Transfer of Residency” Declaration

Effective April 2017, The UK now requires a ToR (Transfer of Residence) number required for customs processing and VAT for all pets importing to the UK. Continental Pet Relocation can help with this process to ensure you have everything you need to import your pet to the UK.  It is advisable to complete the ToR Application as soon as possible to avoid having to pay the VAT when you pet arrives. If your pet arrives the UK prior to receiving your ToR number, you will have to pay the VAT and seek reimbursement.

This declaration, sometimes referred to as the ToR, replaces the C5 Customs Form. Pet owners can either secure this form before travel or pay a tax upon arrival. You can find the ToR Application here

Additional Details:

• This new rule applies to all imported goods, not just pets.
• Pet owners should apply to the ToR in advance, as we’ve noticed it takes two weeks to 30 days to process.
• If you arrive without this form, Customs VAT will be payable on deposit before the pet is allowed to be released (and this can be expensive). Note that this deposit can be reclaimed upon proof of exit from the UK.
• The form is available here and it can be submitted to [email protected].