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Trusted Pet Transport to the UK

Are you planning to move to the UK from South Africa with your pet? At Keringa-Petwings, we understand that relocating your furry family members requires meticulous planning and compliance with international regulations. Here’s everything you need to know about transporting your pet to the United Kingdom.

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Pet Transport to the UK

Transporting pets to the UK without expert advice is challenging due to all the complex regulations and documentation required, including vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates. Additionally, navigating airline policies and ensuring the pet’s comfort and safety during travel can be overwhelming without expert guidance.

Keringa-Petwings can assist with the following important requirements:

  • Documentation for Pet Travel to the UK

    As the pet owner, you must complete a written declaration stating that your pet is being transported for non-commercial purposes. To enter the UK, your pet must also have a pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This document, issued by any veterinarian, confirms that your pet has been vaccinated and has undergone a veterinary examination. Your pet also requires a veterinary health certificate stating that it is fit and healthy to travel.

  • Veterinary Health Certificates

    An official veterinary health certificate is required to confirm your pet meets all health requirements and is fit enough for the rigours of international travel. This certificate, issued by an authorised veterinarian, must be valid at the time of entry into the UK. This certificate should be valid for at least 10 days from the date of issue by the vet until the date of travel. A newly generated health certificate is required for each time your pet travels. This certificate should include:

    1. Results of antibody and blood tests.
    2. Proof of rabies vaccination.
    3. Confirmation of internal and external parasite treatments.

  • Microchipping, Parasite Treatment & Vaccinations

    Before entering the UK, your pet must be microchipped. The microchip must comply with ISO standards and be readable by UK authorities. This step ensures your pet’s identity is accurately linked to their health records. The microchip must be implanted before any annual vaccinations, as vaccinations given before microchipping are not recognised. According to UK regulations, only a registered veterinarian can implant the microchip and administer these vaccinations.

    Pets require a Rabies Neutralising Antibodies Titration Test before entry into the UK. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies after being microchipped. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel if it’s the vaccination or if there’s been a lapse in booster vaccinations. Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is crucial for compliance. This can only be done by an authorised vet and needs to be completed at least 31 days after rabies vaccination. Once the blood draw is complete and sent to an approved laboratory, travel can only be completed 90 days after the blood draw date.

    Additionally, your pet will need specific internal and external parasite treatments before departure, which must be documented on your veterinary health certificate. Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment administered by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours (one to five days) before entering the UK. This treatment is essential to prevent the spread of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) and is a mandatory requirement.

  • Customs Clearance & Quarantine

    For all pet travel exports to the UK, customs clearance is required. Proof of this clearance must be provided to the airline along with your pets on their departure date. Keringa-Petwings will manage the entire customs clearance process for you, ensuring all export requirements are fully met. Each UK region may have specific quarantine regulations, but generally, your pet won’t have to be quarantined upon arrival in the UK as long as you comply with all the above health and documentation requirements.

  • Additional Services

    • Comprehensive Pre-Travel Checks: We assist with ensuring all vaccinations, treatments, and documentation are in order well before travel.
    • Door-to-Door Service: From home pick-up to delivery at the UK destination, we handle every step of your pet’s journey.
    • Quarantine Advice: While correctly processed pets do not need to be quarantined, we offer guidance to prevent any issues that might arise.

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UK Pet Transport FAQs

You will need a pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate, a health certificate, and a written declaration stating that your pet is being transported for non-commercial purposes.

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies and, depending on its origin may require other vaccinations. Dogs require tapeworm treatment within one to five days before entering the UK.

Yes, your pet must be microchipped before receiving any vaccinations.

Generally, quarantine is not required if all health and documentation requirements are met.

Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter the UK. This requirement ensures that the pet has received the rabies vaccination at least 12 weeks of age and allows for the necessary 21-day waiting period post-vaccination.

Yes, certain breeds are banned, including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Make sure your pet’s breed is permitted.

A pet passport is an official document that details that your pet has undergone a veterinary examination and has been vaccinated. It is a mandatory requirement for entry into the UK.

The costs can vary depending on the veterinarian and your pet’s specific requirements. It is best to consult with your vet for an accurate estimate.

Yes, dogs must receive tapeworm treatment no less than 24 hours and no more than five days before entering the UK.

There is a limit of up to five pets (dogs, cats, or ferrets) per person for non-commercial travel. If you plan to bring more than five pets or travel separately from your pet by more than five days, different (commercial) regulations will apply.

If your pet doesn’t meet the import requirements, they may be refused entry or placed in quarantine until they comply with the regulations.

Ensure your pet is comfortable and safe during travel by using an appropriate carrier, providing necessary food and water, and following airline policies.

UK Pet Transport Reviews