We know that it can be stressful to arrange a trip abroad with your pet, so we will try to help wherever we can.

To ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible with your trip, you need to check what will be required with the relevant authorities. Remember that, as the owner, you bear the responsibility of making sure that the travel requirements have been met.  You should double-check requirements for both the destination country and for re-entry to the UK well in advance of your travel date.

Pet passports issued for dogs, cats and ferrets in the UK are no longer valid for travel within the EU. Passports issued in the EU may be valid, but only if kept up-dated. For holders of these passports, rabies vaccinations must be carried out in the EU. UK vets are no longer allowed to make any records in EU passports.

Other species such as rabbits and birds cannot travel on a pet passport and require different travel certification. This can take time to arrange, so please contact us with queries at the earliest opportunity.

If you wish to transport an animal that is not your pet to another country, please contact us for advice. Requirements will vary depending on the type of animal being transported, the country of destination, and the purpose of travel (e.g. a holiday, a show, re-homing, sale of an animal). It is worth checking the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) website or government website and contacting APHA, Carlisle where appropriate.

For more detailed information, please visit our related travel pages with destination-specific advice.

Information relating to all pet travel can be found on the government website or from APHA Carlisle.

Email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk
Telephone: 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays)