Moving to the UK is exciting, but when you’re also relocating your beloved family pet, it comes with a lot of planning and paperwork to ensure that they can arrive safely and legally. The UK has strict animal import regulations, so it’s essential to prepare well in advance.
To help you relocate smoothly, here are four things to have in place before your big move to the UK.
Microchip
In Europe, it’s mandatory for all dogs to be microchipped after a certain age – in the UK, this age limit is 8 weeks old, so it will almost certainly be necessary for your canine. For cats, the deadline is 20 weeks, so you have a little longer. Your pet will need this to be able to travel, and the microchip needs to be ISO-compliant.
Having your pet microchipped ensures they can be correctly identified at each stage of the relocation process. Customs will scan the chip to match your pet with its vaccination and health records upon arrival in the UK. Additionally, once you arrive, it helps you get reconnected with your furry friend should the worst happen and they get lost in their new surroundings, although hopefully this doesn’t happen. Any vet in the UK is able to scan a microchip.
Before you travel, you should have your own vet scan the chip to make sure it’s working properly. You should also know that the chip needs to be implanted before your pet’s rabies vaccination – if the vaccination was given first, your pet will need to have it redone after the chip has been fitted.
Rabies vaccination
Once your pet has been microchipped, the next step is to book a rabies vaccination. This is one of the UK’s most critical entry requirements, ensuring that this dangerous disease isn’t spread. Make sure that:
- The vaccination is given after the microchip has been implanted
- The vaccination is given at least 21 days before your entry to the UK
- The vaccine is from an approved manufacturer and is recorded by a licensed vet
After the vaccine is given, your vet will provide a certificate which will include the microchip’s number; the date of vaccination and validity period; the vaccine name, manufacturer, and batch number; and the vet’s signature and clinic details. Make sure you have a copy of this certificate with you – don’t pack it in your luggage that’s following behind.
Official documentation
While travelling, you’ll need to have official paperwork with you that proves your pet meets all entry requirements. The type of documents you need will depend on where you’re travelling from.
If you’re travelling from Canada, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). You’ll also need a Great Britain pet health certificate for permanent relocation (i.e. if you’re planning to stay longer than four months). These certificates must be completed by an official vet in your country of origin.
If you’re travelling from a country that issues pet passports, you’ll need to carry one. If not – for example, if you’re travelling from Canada – a Great Britain pet health certificate will cover this instead.
Approved travel arrangements
The UK only allows pets to arrive in the country through approved routes and transport providers, so you’ll need to plan your pet’s journey carefully.
They will need an IATA-approved travel crate that meets the airline’s requirements for travel. Make sure the crate is large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. It’s also a good idea to introduce your pet to the crate several weeks before your travel date to help reduce stress, and include absorbent bedding, a water bottle, and an item that smells like home in the crate on the day.
Utilise helpful resources
There’s plenty more tips and tricks that can be helpful when relocating your pet to the UK, so do lots of research and refer to helpful resources such as this Remitly guide. You want your pet to have a journey that’s as stress-free as possible, and it pays to be prepared.
Author bio: Olivia Miller
Olivia has been a vet for over 10 years. She’s no stranger to pet relocation requirements and understands the importance of preparation for a stress-free move.
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