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Paws & Papers / Routes / United States → United Kingdom

Bringing a dog or cat from the USA 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 10 days.

Minimum from scratch
22 days
If already vaccinated
10 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. 10 days before travelGreat Britain pet health certificate: USDA-accredited vet fills it in, APHIS endorses it (about $101). Must be within 10 days before arrival Official page
  5. 4 days before travelTapeworm treatment by a vet, 24 to 120 hours before arrival (dogs only)Dogs only
  6. Start nowApproved airline route. Pets must fly as cargo on an approved route and carrier (except assistance dogs) Official page

Documents

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Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from the USA 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 10 days.

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

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); Great Britain pet health certificate (official vet of the country you leave); 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.

Good to know

  • No blood test needed from the USA.
  • Some dog types are banned in the UK.

Sources

Confidence. High: every rule confirmed on an official page.

Last checked 3 November 2026. Your vet, the airline and the border authority have the final word. Rules change: check the official pages again before you fly.