Pet Travel & Export Health Certificates
This guidance applies to people travelling to and from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) with their pets, including assistance dogs.
This guidance is only for non-commercial travel.
Different rules apply for commercial movements.
You must follow the correct guidelines when travelling:
• between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• between Great Britain and the EU
• or when travelling to non-EU countries
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Pet Export to Brazil from the UK
Official veterinary certification and guidance to safely take your pet from the UK to Brazil.
Exporting a pet from the United Kingdom to Brazil requires compliance with UK export regulations and Brazilian import rules. The process involves official veterinary certification, health checks and strict timelines.
Export Health Certificate (EHC)
To export cats or dogs from the UK to Brazil, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is mandatory.
Certificate in use: Certificate 2906 (Cats & Dogs)
- Issued by a UK Official Veterinarian (OV)
- Based on a full clinical examination
- Valid for 10 days before travel
- Applied through the UK government export system (APHA)
Health & Identification Requirements
🐾 Microchip
ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784 / 11785) is required and verified during certification.
💉 Rabies Vaccination
Must be valid and administered at least 21 days before travel.
🩺 Health Check
Official examination confirming fitness to travel and absence of infectious diseases.
How the Export Process Works
- Apply for the Export Health Certificate
- Document preparation by Official Veterinarian
- Final health examination
- Certificate issued and signed
- Original document travels with your pet
Day of Travel Checklist
- Export Health Certificate (original)
- Vaccination & microchip records
- Owner identification
- Airline documentation
Other Pets
Different Export Health Certificates apply for:
- Ferrets
- Rodents
- Birds
Brazilian Import Rules
Pets that meet all requirements do not require quarantine on arrival in Brazil.
Pet Export Guidance
Exporting pets internationally requires accurate documentation, veterinary certification and strict adherence to timelines. Each stage must be carefully completed to ensure compliance and avoid delays or refusal of entry.
Travelling To and From Great Britain with Pets
Pet travel rules for Great Britain depend on where your pet is coming from, where it is going, and which species is travelling. For dogs, cats and ferrets, documentation, microchipping and vaccination timing are central to compliance.
Entering Great Britain
If you are bringing a dog, cat or ferret into Great Britain (England, Wales or Scotland), you must follow the UK Pet Travel Scheme rules. Different guidance applies for Northern Ireland, other pet species, and specific travel situations.
Entry rules usually include an approved travel route, microchip identification, rabies vaccination, and the correct travel document for the country you are coming from.
Leaving Great Britain
When travelling from Great Britain to another country, your pet must meet the destination country’s import rules. For travel to the EU, an Animal Health Certificate is required and must be issued by an Official Veterinarian.
The certificate is time-limited, so the appointment, documentation and travel date must all be planned carefully.
Core UK Pet Travel Requirements
Dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped before rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match the travel documents.
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies before travel. After the first vaccination, you must wait at least 21 full days before travelling.
Pets entering Great Britain must use an approved route unless they are travelling within the UK or from Ireland.
The document required depends on the direction of travel and the country involved. EU travel from Great Britain needs an Animal Health Certificate.
Travelling From Great Britain to the EU
If you are travelling from Great Britain to an EU country, your pet needs an Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian. The certificate must be obtained before entry into the EU and is valid for 10 days after issue for EU entry.
After entry, the same certificate remains valid for 4 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain. A new certificate is needed for each separate trip from Great Britain to an EU country.
A pet passport issued in Great Britain can no longer be used to enter the EU.
Travelling Into Great Britain
When bringing a pet into Great Britain, the exact document depends on where the pet is travelling from. Some routes accept a pet passport, an Animal Health Certificate, or a Great Britain pet health certificate, depending on origin.
Pets arriving from countries not listed in the official guidance generally need a Great Britain pet health certificate and a rabies blood test.
Dogs may also need tapeworm treatment before entering Great Britain.
Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs
Dogs entering Great Britain may need tapeworm treatment before travel. In many cases, the treatment must be given by a vet and recorded in the travel document.
Treatment is not required if you are coming directly to Great Britain from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.
If the timing window is missed, a new treatment may be required before travel.
Important Planning Notes
- Rabies vaccination and microchip timing must be correct before any certificate is issued.
- Travel documents should be prepared by a vet who can issue the correct certificate.
- Rules differ for Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the EU and non-EU destinations.
- Pets entering Great Britain must follow approved routes and may be checked on arrival.
- Non-compliance can result in delays, refusal of entry or the need for extra documentation.
Pet Export to the UAE from the UK
Official veterinary certification and guidance for relocating your pet from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates, in full compliance with UAE import regulations.
Exporting a pet from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates requires strict compliance with UK export regulations and UAE import requirements.
The UAE operates a highly controlled import system, involving official permits, veterinary certification, vaccination protocols and precise timing requirements. Pets are inspected upon arrival and must fully comply with all regulations to be released.
UAE Import Permit
An Import Permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is mandatory before travel.
- Must be obtained prior to shipment
- Valid for up to 90 days
- Issued electronically through MOCCAE
- Required for each individual pet
Pets cannot enter the UAE without a valid import permit.
Export Health Certificate (EHC)
All cats and dogs exported from the UK must be accompanied by an official veterinary health certificate issued by a UK Official Veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority.
- Issued following a full clinical examination
- Must confirm compliance with UAE import requirements
- Must accompany the pet during travel
The health certificate is a core document required for entry and inspection upon arrival.
Health & Identification Requirements
🐾 Microchip
Pets must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip. The microchip number must match all official documentation.
💉 Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be administered according to manufacturer guidelines, typically after 12 weeks of age.
🧪 Rabies Titre Test
Required for pets coming from certain countries. The test must show antibody levels of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
🩺 Veterinary Examination
A full clinical examination must confirm the animal is fit to travel and free from infectious diseases.
Additional Requirements
- Parasite treatment (internal and external) within 14 days before travel
- Vaccination records including full medical history
- Direct shipment from country of origin
- Compliance with IATA animal transport regulations
Pets must be transported under approved welfare standards and inspected upon arrival.
Breed Restrictions
The UAE enforces strict regulations on certain dog breeds.
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Cane Corso and other mastiff types
Import of restricted breeds may be prohibited regardless of documentation.
Export Process Overview
- Microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccination
- Rabies titre test (if required)
- Apply for UAE import permit
- Veterinary certification and documentation
- Final health examination
- APHA endorsement
- Travel with original documents
Day of Travel Checklist
- UAE Import Permit
- Export Health Certificate (original)
- Vaccination records
- Rabies titre test results (if applicable)
- Microchip documentation
- Owner identification
- Airline documentation
Arrival in the UAE
Upon arrival, pets undergo document verification, microchip scanning and veterinary inspection.
If all requirements are met, pets are released without quarantine. Non-compliance may result in refusal of entry or return to origin.
Pet Travel to Europe from the UK
Official guidance on travelling with your pet from the United Kingdom to EU countries, including Animal Health Certificates and European regulations.
Travelling with a pet from the United Kingdom to the European Union requires compliance with EU pet travel regulations and UK export requirements.
Since Brexit, pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU must follow a structured process involving identification, vaccination and official certification.
Pet Travel Requirements
📄 Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Pets travelling from the UK to the EU must have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian.
- Issued within 10 days before travel
- Valid for entry into the EU
- Valid for onward travel within the EU for 4 months
This document replaces the UK-issued pet passport for EU travel.
🐾 Microchip Identification
Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
The microchip number must match all official documentation and will be checked at the border.
💉 Rabies Vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory for entry into the EU.
- Pet must be at least 12 weeks old
- Must wait at least 21 days after vaccination before travel
Vaccination status must be recorded in official documentation.
🧪 Rabies Titre Test (if required)
A rabies antibody blood test may be required depending on the country of origin.
Pets travelling from the UK to the EU typically do not require this test, but it may apply in specific cases or for re-entry conditions.
💊 Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)
Some EU countries require dogs to be treated against tapeworm before entry.
This applies particularly to countries such as Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway.
Travel Process Overview
- Microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccination
- Obtain Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- Prepare supporting documentation
- Travel within certificate validity period
Entry into the European Union
Pets must enter the EU through a designated travellers’ point of entry, where documentation and microchip are verified.
You may travel with up to 5 pets for non-commercial purposes.
EU Pet Passport
EU pet passports are used for travel within the EU and are issued by authorised veterinarians in EU countries.
Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for entry into the EU. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Once inside the EU, a valid EU-issued pet passport may be used for future travel within member states.
Other Pets
Different rules apply for animals other than dogs, cats and ferrets.
Entry conditions depend on the destination country and may require additional permits or checks.
Summary of EU Pet Travel Rules
- Animal Health Certificate required for UK departures
- Microchip and rabies vaccination mandatory
- Strict timing rules apply before travel
- Maximum of 5 pets for non-commercial movement
Other Destinations
Below is a general overview of pet travel requirements for destinations outside the UK, EU, UAE and Brazil. Each country has its own import rules, permits and health certification requirements.
🇺🇸 United States
Dogs must meet CDC requirements, including rabies vaccination. Some countries require additional documentation. Health certificates are often required depending on the state. Entry rules have become stricter in recent years.
🇨🇦 Canada
Rabies vaccination is required for dogs over 3 months old. A health certificate may be requested. Requirements are generally simpler but must still be documented correctly.
🇦🇺 Australia
One of the strictest import systems. Requires import permit, rabies titre test, and mandatory quarantine. Preparation can take several months.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Similar to Australia with strict biosecurity laws. Requires import permit, vaccinations, testing and quarantine on arrival.
🇿🇦 South Africa
Requires veterinary import permit and health certificate. Additional testing may be required depending on origin.
🇸🇬 Singapore
Strict import system with permits, vaccinations and possible quarantine depending on country classification.
🇯🇵 Japan
Requires advance notification, rabies vaccination and titre test. Long preparation timelines may apply.
🇨🇳 China
Import rules vary by city. Health certificate and rabies vaccination required. Quarantine may apply on arrival.
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Requires import permit, vaccinations and health certification. Quarantine depends on country of origin.
🇮🇳 India
Import permit required along with vaccination records and health certificate. Rules may vary based on travel purpose.
🇹🇭 Thailand
Requires import permit, rabies vaccination and health certificate. Documentation must be approved before travel.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Health certificate required. Pets are inspected on arrival and must be free from parasites and diseases.
🇨🇱 Chile
Requires official veterinary certificate and vaccination records. Documentation must be endorsed before travel.
🇦🇷 Argentina
Rabies vaccination and health certificate required. Entry is generally straightforward with proper documentation.
🇹🇷 Turkey
Requires health certificate, rabies vaccination and microchip. Some cases require additional testing.
🌍 Other Countries
Most countries require a combination of:
- Microchip identification
- Rabies vaccination
- Health certificate issued by an official veterinarian
- Import permit (in many cases)
Some destinations may also require blood tests, parasite treatments or quarantine on arrival.