General Travel Advice
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, please read this page and contact the relevant authorities where required. Remember that you (the owner) bear the responsibility of making sure that the travel requirements have been met. Please take the time to read all documents thoroughly! Double check requirements for both the destination country and for re-entry to the UK well in advance of your travel date.
Pet passports have previously been used for movement of dogs, cats and ferrets to and from the UK. However, the guidelines have changed and passports issued in the UK are no longer valid. Passports issued in the EU may be valid, but only if kept up-dated and if the rabies vaccinations are 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 to another country that is not your pet, please contact us for advice. Requirements 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.
Information on these pages:
Travelling to Europe or Northern Ireland
Travelling outside the EU and animal exports
Further Information
Further information relating to all pet travel can be found on the government website or from APHA Carlisle.
There is a designated pet travel helpline available from the government:
Email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk
Telephone: 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays)
Please remember that ultimate responsibility rests with you. If you have any concerns about travelling with your pet, please contact us or contact APHA Carlisle at the earliest opportunity.