Approved routes

You can only use certain travel routes and companies to enter Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

Check the routes before you travel - they can change or may only operate at certain times of the year.

When pets have to travel as cargo

How your pet can travel depends on how you are travelling.

If you’re travelling by plane

Pets have to travel as cargo on a plane unless:

If you’re travelling by sea or Eurotunnel

Check if the company you’re travelling with allows you to bring pets before you travel.

You can only bring a pet into Great Britain by private boat if you’re travelling from Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Travelling to and from Northern Ireland and Ireland

Contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) if you’re travelling to Northern Ireland.

You do not have to use an approved route or company if you’re travelling from Ireland to Great Britain.

  1. Step 1 Check if you can bring your pet

  2. Step 2 Get your pet microchipped

  3. Step 3 Get your pet vaccinated against rabies

    1. Check the rules about rabies vaccinations

    You must wait for a set period of time after vaccination before you can travel.

    Depending on the country you're travelling from, you might also need to get a blood test.

  4. and Get tapeworm treatment

    If you have a dog, you may also need to get tapeworm treatment before you travel.

    1. Check the rules about tapeworm treatment
  5. Step 4 Get a pet travel document