Paws & Papers / Routes / European Union → United Kingdom

Bringing a dog or cat from the EU to the UK in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 22 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 2 days.

Minimum from scratch

22 days

If already vaccinated

2 days

Quarantine

None for pets that meet the rules

Last checked

3 November 2026

Steps, in order

1. Start nowMicrochip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccineSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
2. With or after the microchipRabies vaccine (pet must be at least 12 weeks old), then wait 21 full daysSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
3. 21 days after the rabies vaccineEarliest day the 21-day rabies wait is overSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
4. 4 days before travelTapeworm treatment by a vet, 24 to 120 hours before arrival, recorded in the pet passport (dogs only; not needed directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway)Dogs only
5. Start nowApproved airline route. Pets must fly as cargo on an approved route and carrier Official page

Documents

• MicrochipAny vet
• Rabies vaccination recordVet, in the pet passport or vaccination card
• Tapeworm treatment recordVet

Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from the EU to the UK?

Plan at least 22 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 2 days.

Which documents do I need from the EU to the UK?

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); Tapeworm treatment record (vet).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

No, the rules for this route have no blood test.

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccine.

Will my pet be quarantined?

No, if every document is in order.