UK Pet Travel Rules
Reference Guide (2025)
UK pet travel is governed by animal health, welfare, and movement rules designed to protect public health, animal welfare, and biosecurity.
Rules apply based on:
pet residency
route travelled
purpose of movement
age and welfare status
Documentation confirms compliance.
Rules determine eligibility.
1. Residency Determines the Rule Set
Pet travel rules are based on where the pet is normally resident, not where it is temporarily located.
Residency does not change due to:
holidays
short-term work stays
temporary housing
transit routes
This principle underpins all UK pet travel policy.
2. Minimum Age Requirement (UK Entry)
UK law prohibits the entry of dogs, cats, and ferrets under 6 months of age once the minimum age requirement is in force.
This applies to:
entry into Great Britain
re-entry after lawful departure
travel via any route, including NI or ROI
Key points:
There are no exemptions
Rabies vaccination status does not override age
Ownership continuity does not override age
Owners must consider return eligibility before travelling.
3. Rabies Rules (Where They Apply)
Rabies requirements apply only when entering the UK from the EU or other rabies-controlled territories.
Rabies vaccination is not required for:
NI → GB travel
internal UK movement
Rabies vaccination is required for:
EU / ROI → GB
NI → EU / ROI
EU-aligned travel using EU Pet Passports
Rabies compliance does not create eligibility if minimum age rules are not met.
4. Commercial vs Non-Commercial Movement
Correct classification of a journey is essential. Documentation and eligibility depend on whether a movement is classed as commercial or non-commercial.
Non-commercial movement generally involves:
the owner travelling with the pet (or within the permitted time window)
no change of ownership
up to and including five pets
Commercial movement includes:
sale or transfer of ownership
rescue or rehoming
transport without the owner present
more than five pets travelling together
Commercial movements are subject to:
additional documentation
stricter welfare requirements
increased inspection and enforcement risk
Number of pets and exceptions
Travelling with more than five pets is normally classed as commercial movement.
An exception may apply where animals are travelling to a recognised show, competition, or sporting event, provided that:
no change of ownership is involved, and
documentary evidence of participation can be produced on request.
Travelling with five or fewer pets may still be treated as commercial if the purpose or circumstances of the journey indicate sale, transfer, rescue, or other commercial activity.
Misclassification can result in refusal of travel or enforcement action.
5. Fitness to Travel and Welfare Rules
All pets must be fit to travel.
This includes:
appropriate age and physical development
freedom from injury or illness
compliance with pregnancy restrictions
transport conditions that meet welfare standards
Fitness to travel is assessed independently of documentation.
6. Transporter and Carrier Rules
Transporters and carriers must comply with:
DEFRA licensing requirements (Type 1 or Type 2)
journey planning and rest rules
vehicle licensing for routes outside of the UK
welfare standards
Ferry and airline operators may impose additional conditions beyond legal minimums.
Compliance requires meeting both legal and operator requirements.
7. Transit Rules and Route Planning
Transit through third jurisdictions may activate additional rules.
Examples include:
travel through the Republic of Ireland
mixed residency routes
age-sensitive journeys
Route planning must account for:
residency
age
applicable jurisdictional rules at each stage
Physical location does not override legal status.
8. What the Rules Do Not Allow
UK pet travel rules do not allow:
entry based on intent or short duration
exemptions based on ownership history
“temporary import” of underage animals
reliance on outdated guidance
Eligibility is determined at the point of entry.