Moving a pet to United Kingdom from the USA
Permit-driven or window-sensitive: import permits, home quarantine registration or tight treatment timing.
Quick rules summary
| Governing body | DEFRA / APHA |
|---|---|
| Mandatory lead time | 1–2 months |
| Rabies titer test (FAVN) | No |
| Import permit | No |
| Post-arrival quarantine | 0 days |
| Microchip mandate | ISO chip before or on the same day as the rabies vaccine |
| Primary failure point | Microchip implanted after the rabies vaccination, or tapeworm treatment given outside the 24–120 hour window. |
Biosecurity & veterinary protocol
- 1
Implant an ISO-compliant microchip before, or on the same day as, the primary rabies vaccination.
- 2
Observe a 21-day wait after the primary rabies vaccination before entry.
- 3
Dogs need a veterinary-administered tapeworm (Praziquantel) treatment between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before entry.
- 4
Non-commercial movement (five or fewer pets travelling within five days of the owner): health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS within 10 days of arrival.
- 5
Commercial movement (pets travelling more than five days apart from the owner, or six or more pets): commercial health certificate endorsed by USDA within 48 hours of departure.
- 6
Pets must arrive via an approved route and approved transport operator.
Breed & airline warnings
Banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully.
Brachycephalic breeds are embargoed from cargo by most transatlantic carriers.
Crates must follow IATA Live Animals Regulations: L = A + ½B, W = 2C, H = D + bedding. Two compatible animals up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each may share a crate; heavier animals travel individually. Check your breed →
Your United Kingdom timeline
Plan backwards
Complexity: Moderate
Lead time: 1–2 months
Governing body: DEFRA / APHA
Quarantine: 0 days
- T−45d
Microchip + records review
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip and confirm every vaccination record post-dates it.
- T−45d
Book flights and IATA-compliant crate
Confirm carrier acceptance, crate sizing and any brachycephalic or breed embargoes on the routing.
- T−38d
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine administered after the microchip — a vaccine given first is legally invalid.
- T−10d
USDA-accredited vet exam + health certificate
Category II accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and submits it via VEHCS.
- T−7d
USDA APHIS endorsement
Endorsement within 10 days of arrival for non-commercial moves, or within 48 hours of departure for commercial moves.
- T−3d
Parasite treatments and final checks
Tapeworm or parasite treatments given inside the destination's required window, recorded by the vet.
- Day 0
Departure day
Check-in as cargo, checked baggage or in-cabin per the booked service.