What are the English laws on bringing pets into the country?
I wish to take my pet cat with me to the United Kingdom, to stay with relatives (they are fine with the cat, and understand that she travels with me a lot).
I am concerned, however, whether or not I am allowed to do this, and what I have to be careful of crossing the border.
What paperwork will my cat need, and will she be quarantined?
I'm traveling from another country in the EU (Italy).
Best Answer
I think it very much depends on what country you're travelling from to the UK. If you're in the EU and some other low risk countries (i.e. those where the risk of rabies is considered small), then normally all that is required is a microchip, up to date vaccinations and documentation and I think you're OK.
You said hypothetically Italy which is an EU country. You would need to go to your vet first, arrange to have the microchip inserted), followed by vaccination for your cat and a 21 day wait. Then travelling, you just need to check with the airline and inform them that you're travelling with the cat at booking. The documentation you carry with you is the cat's Passport (that's what people usually call it). No need for quarantine etc.
I lived in France for a long time and we couldn't bring our cats to Ireland (similar laws to the UK for obvious reasons), without quarantine which would be a nightmare for the animal and the owners (as well as being very costly). All of that changed in recent years which is great. The UK government has an excellent page on it
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What are pet laws in the UK?
You must provide proper care to any animal you keep as a pet. You may get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months if you don't look after an animal properly. You may also be banned from owning animals in future.How do you bring a pet to another country?
Follow our advice to make sure you've got everything covered.Do pets have to be quarantined in England?
Pets arriving in the UK that do not meet the UK's requirements may be refused entry or quarantined upon arrival at the owner's expense. If the pet is less than 15 weeks old and has not been vaccinated for rabies for 21 days before entry into the UK, this Member State DOES NOT ALLOW entry of the pet.Can pets enter UK in cabin?
Do Any UK Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin? Unfortunately, no UK airline allows pets to fly in the cabin (at least any airline that flies in and out of commercial airports). The only animals that are permitted to fly in the cabin are registered assistance dogs.ANIMALS on PLANES? Is your PET SAFE flying in CARGO??? Explained by CAPTAIN JOE
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