Pet Relocation Services UK
Bringing your furry friend to the United Kingdom
Planning a move to the United Kingdom with your pet? Every year, thousands of families trust Pet Express to help their dogs, cats, and other furry friends travel safely across the world. Moving a pet internationally involves more than booking a flight. Rabies vaccinations, a UK-approved health certificate, microchipping, and export paperwork all need to be arranged correctly and on time. Getting even one detail wrong can delay your pet’s entry or, in the worst cases, result in your pet being refused entry or placed into quarantine.
Learn more about our Dog Transport Services and Cat Transportation Services, or read on to see exactly how our pet transport UK service works.
Why Choose Pet Express as your UK pet transport company
Choosing the right pet shipping UK provider means trusting a team that understands UK biosecurity law, airline welfare standards, and the paperwork that keeps your pet moving instead of stuck in transit. The UK has some of the strictest pet import rules in the world, and even a minor error can cause significant delays.
As an established international pet transport specialist since 1978, Pet Express stays up to date with the UK’s requirements as they change, so you don’t have to. We coordinate with vets, airlines, and government agencies to make sure your dog or cat meets every entry requirement well ahead of your travel date.
How Pet Express prepares your pet for travel to the UK
Microchipping and identification
Your pet needs to be microchipped before anything else, one of the UK’s non-negotiable entry requirements. We typically schedule this alongside the rabies vaccination. The microchip must meet ISO Standards 11784 and 11785, becoming the permanent link between your pet and their travel documents and health certificate.
Rabies vaccination and vaccinations
The rabies vaccine sits at the center of the UK’s entry requirements, and timing matters as much as the vaccination itself. It must be administered after the microchip, and the UK requires a minimum waiting period before travel to confirm it has taken effect. Pet Express also make sure your pet’s other core vaccinations are current, so they can have the best possible protection for their journey and new life in the UK .
Tapeworm treatment for dogs
Dogs traveling to the UK from most countries also need a tapeworm treatment, given by a vet within a specific window before departure and recorded on the pet passport. Getting the timing wrong is a common reason pets are delayed at the border, so our team tracks the exact dates for you.
UK health certificate and export paperwork
Every pet entering the UK needs a valid health certificate, signed within the correct timeframe before travel. Pet Express prepares your export paperwork based on your country of origin and checks every detail with your vet. We’ll also advise on the correct travel crate for your airline; if you’re unsure of the size, try our crate size calculator.
Quarantine Periods
The UK does not require pet quarantine for animals that meet all import criteria. If requirements aren’t met, your pet may face mandatory quarantine of up to four months. Pet Express has a strong track record of relocating pets to the UK without quarantine, because we get every vaccination, treatment, and document done right well before departure.
Banned Breeds
Before you finalize any UK pet relocation plans, it’s worth confirming that your dog isn’t one of the breeds currently banned from entering the country. Pets belonging to a banned breed can be seized by UK authorities or returned to their country of origin, so this is an essential detail to check early. The banned breeds in the UK currently include:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Braziliero (Brazilian Mastiff)
- XL Bully
If your pet falls into one of these categories, we’ll let you know straight away and talk you through your options.
Arriving in the UK: airports and destinations
Most pets relocating to the UK arrive through London Heathrow or London Gatwick, both of which have established procedures for handling live animal cargo. Whether your family is settling in England or Scotland, Pet Express plans the full route with you, factoring in flight availability, comfort stops for longer journeys, and the entry procedures at your arrival airport.
We also work with a network of trusted vets and partner companies around the world, so no matter which country you’re departing from, we can put together a plan that keeps your pet’s comfort and welfare at the center of the journey.
What’s included in our UK pet relocation service
Pet Express covers all the regulations, requirements, and complexities that arise when relocating your pet to the UK. We make sure every piece of documentation is accurate, and we handle all the travel logistics from start to finish. Our pet relocation services include:
Breed-specific care
We offer custom services to accommodate the unique traits of your pet’s breed, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the journey.
Air and ground transportation
Your pet’s travel is secure and comfortable with Pet Express, thanks to an experienced team handling every transport detail, including airline selection, the travel crate, and comfort stops along the route.
Veterinary support and health certifications
We provide expert veterinary care and assist with all the necessary health documentation, including the pet passport, to comply with UK travel regulations.
Customized paperwork assistance
We manage all documentation, including health certificates, import permits, and export paperwork, handling every detail so you don’t have to.
Coordination with trusted partners worldwide
We collaborate with partner companies around the world to ensure your pet’s journey is efficient and seamless, from departure to arrival in the UK.
Door-to-door delivery and pick-up
Our door-to-door service offers convenience and peace of mind, ensuring your pet is safely picked up and delivered to their destination.
Pet Express ensures that every aspect of your pet’s move is handled with expert care and attention, making the journey as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
Choose Pet Express to transport your pet to the UK safely
Trust Pet Express for all your UK pet relocation needs. With expert logistics handling and personalized care, we manage everything from veterinary checks to travel crate arrangements. Our team makes sure all travel requirements are met, keeping your pet’s comfort front of mind at every stage. Let us take the stress out of your pet’s UK move, offering a smooth, efficient service with complete compliance with UK regulations, from departure right through to arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before travel should I vaccinate my pet against rabies?
The timing of your pet’s rabies vaccination is a critical requirement for entry into the UK. Pet Express makes sure it’s administered at least 21 days before departure and at a time that doesn’t interfere with your travel plans.
Do dogs have to quarantine from Australia to the UK?
Not unless your pet fails to meet the import criteria. Our team at Pet Express makes sure these requirements are met well before your pet arrives in the UK.
When should I start planning for my pet’s relocation to the UK?
At Pet Express, we recommend starting your pet’s relocation process a few months in advance to leave plenty of time to address any issues that come up. This allows us to carefully schedule vaccinations, the tapeworm treatment, health certificate applications, and other essential steps, so our team can handle the details while you focus on the rest of your move.
How much does UK pet transport cost?
This depends on your country of origin, how you’re traveling, and the requirements you need to meet to enter the UK. Enquire today, and we’ll discuss your route, your pet’s needs, and the associated costs.
Can my pet travel with me in a plane cabin?
Bringing your dog into the cabin is typically only possible for small dogs traveling in an airline-approved travel crate. Larger dogs, or pets on international flights, usually travel in the cargo hold instead. Airline policies vary, and we’ll help you select an airline that meets your pet’s needs and your own preferences. Want to know more? Check out our guide, What Does the Cargo Hold for Pets Look Like? An In-Depth Look into Pet Air Transport.
Where can I find additional information about the requirements for bringing a pet into the UK?
Pet Express stays up to date with all UK regulations and requirements, offering expert advice to help you plan a smooth and successful relocation.
Are there different regulations for pet relocation within parts of the UK?
Yes. Northern Ireland has different regulations for pet relocation than England and Scotland. Our team is well-versed in these requirements and can guide you through the process to ensure compliance, wherever in the UK you’re headed.
