Can I take my Labrador Retriever to the United Kingdom?

Getting into the United Kingdom

From an EU country

Use an approved route (not needed from Ireland). The pet must be microchipped before its rabies vaccination, then wait at least 21 full days after the vaccination. A travel document from your vet is needed, and the type depends on the country you travel from. Dogs need tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival. Banned dog types cannot be brought into Great Britain at all. Pet passports issued in an EU country are accepted for entry into Great Britain; pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid, so for a trip to the EU and back a GB pet needs an animal health certificate from the vet. source

Rabies antibody test

A rabies blood test is needed only for pets from countries that are neither in the EU nor on the GB list. You must wait 3 months after the sample date before travel. No wait if the pet was vaccinated, tested and given a passport or certificate in the EU first. source

Tapeworm treatment

Dogs must be treated by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before arrival in Great Britain. Entering Northern Ireland also requires it, between 24 and 120 hours before arrival. source

Quarantine

Pets that do not meet the rules may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months, or refused entry if arriving by sea, at the owner's cost. More than 5 pets triggers extra commercial rules, except for shows and competitions. source

All rules for the United Kingdom →