Bringing pets to the UK
This site explains what you have to do to bring your pet dog, cat or ferret into (or back into) the UK through the Pet Travel Scheme (or PETS for short) without putting it into quarantine. It also explains the requirements for bringing many other types of pet animals into the UK. This site also tells you about quarantine in the UK for animals that don't qualify for PETS. Printable factsheets are available for both vets and the public. 
EU Regulation on the movement of pet animals.
Travelling abroad with your pet?
- Check that the microchip can be read before you go
- Make sure that your pet’s paperwork is in order
Further information on taking pets out of the UK to EU countries or Non-EU listed countries is available here.
Dog and Cat Travel And Risk Information (DACTARI). This is a scheme to find out about the occurrence of exotic diseases in dogs and cats in Great Britain. Find out why you should get involved.
If you need further information or advice not covered by these pages please contact the Pet Travel Scheme Helpline: +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8am to 6pm UK time).
Latest news
5 August 2008 - XL Airways and Delta Airlines have announced further routes for registered assistance animals. Two new charter airline companies have commenced operating routes into the UK; Execujet Europe, and Airtime Charters. Furthermore NetJets US, NetJets Transportes Aereos, and EuroJet Aviation have all announced additional routes into the UK. Servair Private Charter AG are now known as Swiss Private Aviation. Please visit our routes pages for the latest information.
4 July 2008 - Charter Airlines DC Aviation and General Aviation Flying Services have commenced operating PETS routes into the UK, Global Jet Austria, and Global Jet Luxembourg have announced further routes into the UK. Please visit our routes pages for the latest information.
24 June 2008 - Commercial Airline British Airways World Cargo have announced that from 1st July 2008, they will accept unaccompanied pets on flights arriving at London Gatwick Airport, Monday to Friday, (inclusive) For further information please contact the airline directly.
Thomsonfly and XL Airways have announced further routes into the UK. Charter Airlines Northwest Flying A/S, and Air Rutter have commenced operating PETS routes into the UK, European Business Jets, Sirio SpA, and NetJets US, have announced further routes into the UK. Please visit our routes pages for the latest information.
9 June 2008 -
- New EC Regulation published on 4 June which allows the UK to keep its Pet Travel Scheme rules for a further two years until 30 June 2010. See EU regulation on movement of pet animals for further details.
7 May 2008 -
- Northwest airlines and US Airways have announced additional assistance routes. For the most up to date list of all approved routes, please visit our Routes pages.
Page last modified: 5 August, 2008