Introduction

• The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain conditions.
• Pet dogs, cats and ferrets (including guide and hearing dogs) can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending on the country the pet is coming from. Animals which do not meet all the rules must be licensed into quarantine. They might then be able to obtain early release if they can be shown to comply with the necessary pet travel requirements. See https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-uk#from1jan.
• The Scheme:
  • Only applies to pet ferrets, cats and dogs including guide dogs and hearing dogs.
    It is against the law in Great Britain to possess types of dogs that are considered dangerous.If you own a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dog Argentino, or a Filo Braziliero, do not bring it to the UK. These breeds are considered "dangerous dogs" by the UK and might be seized and destroyed.
  • Is limited to pets coming into the UK from certain countries and territories.
  • Only operates on certain sea, air and rail routes to England.
• You cannot bring more than 5 pets into the UK unless you're attending or training for a competition, show, or sporting event. You will need written evidence or registration for the event when you travel.
• All your pets must:
  • Be attending the event or training.
  • Be over 6 months old.
  • Meet the pet travel rules.
• The latest details on the scheme can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/bring-your-pet-to-uk.

What must be done to bring a pet into the UK

Additional procedural information

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Shaw S E, Lerga A I, Williams S et al (2003) Review of exotic diseases in small animals entering the United Kingdom from abroad diagnosed by PCR. Vet Rec 152 (6), 176-177 PubMed.
• Cox M, Barbier E B, White P C et al (1999) Public preferences regarding rabies-prevention policies in the UK. Prev Vet Med 41 (4), 257-270 PubMed.
• Scudamore J M (1999) Pet travel scheme. Vet Rec 145 (8), 236 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• The information above is only an overview, and the following website must be checked before taking part in the scheme: https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-uk.
• Pet Travel Scheme Helpline (https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-uk/complaints). Tel: 0370 241 1710 Email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk.