Documentation

For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country or territory you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate (apart from Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland who also issue pet passports).

DEFRA Pet Travel Documentation

Microchip

In order to identify your pet it must be fitted with a microchip, before initial rabies vaccination (dogs and cats) is carried out.

The microchip number of the animal must be identical to the microchip number on the pet passport.

A tattoo from any country in the world is acceptable providing it has been done at the latest on the 3 July 2011

Rabies vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies.

The vaccine name and manufacturer as well as vaccination date and expiry date must be recorded in the pet passport by a registered vet (signature and stamp is required).

There is no exemption to this requirement. The length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is 21 days after the first vaccination date. A waiting period is not required for subsequent entries into the UK, provided rabies boosters are kept up to date. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21 day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination.

Travel to the UK must take place within the current vaccination validity.

Blood test (not applicable to ferrets)

No longer required.

Tick treatment (Continent to UK only)

No longer required.

Tapeworm treatment (Dogs only)

Your dog must be treated against tapeworm before travelling to the UK.

Treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the dog's scheduled arrival time in the UK. .