Pets and Permissions

Bringing your Pets into London or any part of uk is not easy as  before but it is always possible with all the guidelines and requirments.The British are known as a nation of pet lovers but that does not mean you can just turn up in uk with your dog or cat in tow. However, if you will have to carefully follow the guidance below, you should soon be enjoying your pet’s company in your new London visit.


General Rules

The rules below apply only to dogs, cats and ferrets. Most other animals can be freely brought into the country, but it is wise to check with your vet first just in case your pet’s species happens to be one of the exceptions. One notable exception applies to rabbits and rodents from non-listed non-EU countries. These animals require a compulsory four month quarantine.

If you are bringing a dog into London, check it is not on the banned breeds list first.Pet Passports and Third Country Approved Veterinary Certificates,If you are from an EU country, you will need to ask your vet for a Pet Passport. To save potential problems with your carrier, ask the vet to fill in Section IX.

If you are from a non-EU country, you will need to obtain a Third Country Approved Veterinary Certificate. In this case, you will also be required to carry supporting documents with you; these will be specified on the Certificate so read everything carefully.


Microchip

Your pet will need to be microchipped unless it was tattooed before 3rd July 2011. The microchip number will need to be entered on to the Pet Passport or Third Country Approved Veterinary Certificate. If tattooed, the ID number must be legible and the tattoo must have been applied after a rabies vaccination. A vet should have recorded the dates of both the tattoo and the vaccination along with the ID number.

Microchips to ISO standard will be scanned by the relevant transport companies but if your microchip does not conform to this standard, you will have to bring your own microchip reader.


Rabies

You should only get your pet vaccinated for rabies after it has been microchipped, otherwise the vaccination will need to be repeated. For travellers from EU or non-EU Listed countries, you have to wait 21 days after the vaccination before you can travel into the UK. After this waiting period you are free to move in and out of the UK with no further tests providing you keep up to date with the boosters.

If you are from a non-Listed country you will need to start the procedure well before you intend to travel. After the rabies vaccination you will have to wait 30 days before a blood test and then a further three calendar months before you can actually travel.


Tapeworm Treatment (dogs only)

Dogs need to be treated for tapeworm every time they come into the UK between one and five days before arrival. The treating vet has to record the name of the drug used (of which praziqualtel or an equivalent must be the active ingredient), the manufacturer and the date and time of treatment. They will then need to stamp and sign the documentation. Travellers from Finland, Norway, Ireland and Malta do not need to treat for tapeworm.


Authorised Carriers

Before you leave for London, one final important check you need to make is to the carrier you will be using to transport you. Only AHVLA authorised carriers can bring pets into the country and they may require extra documentation including a signed declaration from your vet. If you have a Pet Passport, there is a section set aside for this purpose (section IX).More information on bringing your pet into London can be found on the UK government and EU websites

A blood test and a tick treatment are no longer required for dogs entering Britain from an EU country. This has reduced the preparation time for a trip from 6 months to only 21 days (time between rabies vaccination and allowed entry date).Other rules apply if more than five dogs are being taken into the country or if you are travelling from a non-EU country.


Banned breeds

There are some strict regulations over dog types not allowed into Britain. This ban applies not only to dogs of specific breeds, but also to dogs with similar appearances. Heavy penalties may incur, so owners the following breeds or similar dogs must be aware:


  •  Pitbull Terrier
  •  Japanese Tosa
  •  Dogo Argentino
  •  Fila Brasileiro 


For further details about banned dog types and penalties, click here.Should your pet not satisfy all the entry requirements, it will be placed into quarantine and you will be required to pay all incurring expenses.


General travel advice for dogs 

  • Travel preparation
  • Do not give your dog any food for 2 hours before the trip, no matter if you are travelling by car, plane, ferry or any other means of transport
  • Train your dog to become used to his transport box
  • Take a special ID tag for your dog’s collar on which you state your UK contact details


In the Eurotunnel

  • If you're travelling on Eurotunnel le Shuttle, any type of dog is accepted
  • Your pet stays by your side in your vehicle during the 35 minutes crossing
  • Five pets per person are permitted to travel to and from France unless you are taking part in a competition, show or sporting event
  • No fee applies for assistance dogs
  • There are dedicated pet exercise areas to give your dog a break!


On the ferry

As regulations vary depending on the company you choose to travel with, please inform yourself about the specifics before even booking your ferry crossing

  • Dogs mostly have to stay in the vehicle during crossing or are accommodated in a special “dog hotel”
  • A dog can become seasick just like humans, it is advisable to test their reaction on home waters and if they do suffer, contact your vet who will be able to supply medicine
  • Extra charges apply except for assistance dogs


In the car

  • If your dog is not used to car rides, some training is necessary to get him used to the feeling as well as making sure he stays calm even during longer routes
  • A dog is safest in a secured transport box in the back of the car or on the back seat with a seat belt for dogs (only advisable for dogs that stay calm during travel)
  • Homoeopathic medicine may ease your dog’s car sickness
  • In summer, even the weather in the UK can cause the temperature inside cars to be dangerous for dogs, so please try not to leave your dog alone in the car at any time
  • If you must leave your dog in the car for even a few minutes, make sure to park in the shade and keep 2 or more windows ajar


On the plane

  • If your dog is neither very small (normally between 5-10 kg) nor an assistance dog, he will have to travel in the cargo hold. As this can be a stressful experience, experts usually advise against travelling by plane whenever it is possible.
  • If flying however is the only available option, these are the most important points to note:
  • Transport boxes are usually not provided by the airline or airport, so you must provide your own
  • Your box must be well ventilated and be large enough for the dog to lie down, stand and turn around
  • Be aware that low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet do not allow any dogs apart from assistant dogs on their planes
  • Dogs on trains, buses and the underground
  • Dogs are generally welcome on trains, city buses and the London underground as long as there is enough space and there is no reason to believe that they pose a threat. 
  • Dogs travel free of charge and do not need a special ticket
  • They need to be under the owner’s control at all times
  • They must be put on a lead or transported in a suitable transportation box
  • Intercity coach services (e.g. National Express or Megabus) cannot accommodate dogs and therefore only allow assistant dogs on their buses

 

Packing list before you travel - the essentials

  • tick All necessary documentation (passport, medical insurance and health certificate)
  • tick Seat belt clip for car travel 
  • tick Temporary ID tag 
  • tick Bowl for water 
  • tick Medication for travel sickness
  • tick Any other necessary medication 
  • tick Old blanket to cover a sofa at your holiday accommodation 
  • tick Towel(s) for drying your dog after a walk or a visit to the beach 
  • tick Dog food (especially for fussy or sensitive dogs) 
  • tick Bags to clean up after your dog



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