New travel rules for the UK

The United Kingdom is falling into line with rest of the European Union by allowing pet dogs and cats from EU and listed third countries to enter the the UK / Northern Ireland from January 1st 2012 requiring the following:

  • Microchip
  • Rabies Vaccination
  • Pre entry waiting period  of 21 days after vaccination
  • Tick treatment no longer required
  • Tapeworm treatment still under consideration at European level


Pets entering from unlisted third countries from 1st January 2012 will require the following:

  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccination
  • Blood test (sample to be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination)
  • Pre entry waiting period of 3 months from date of sample
  • Tick treatment no longer required
  • Tapeworm treatment still under consideration at European level

Pets travelling from unlisted third countries who do not meet the entry requirements will still be subject to quarantine.

More information in PDF format:
Bringing pets into the UK after 1 January 2012
DEFRA: Quarantine Information June 30th 2011)