British Expats - Taking pets into the UK

Hi Diane, what kind of pets do you have? This makes a difference to the regulations.

Essentially, yes, it's a vet check, worming (for dogs), and rabies shot -- but you'll need to make sure you have exactly the right paperwork, and that everything is done in the correct order.

For example, do your pets have (EU standard) microchips? If they don't, you need to get them microchipped and then have the rabies vaccine done, no less than 21 days before you travel.

The 'fit-to-fly' vet check also has to be done a specific time before travel; I can't remember exactly, but think 5 days or less.

Sources of info about UK requirements: DEFRA; the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow; this forum (there's a sticky about pets at the top of this page). Bear in mind the regulations changed in Jan 2012.

Also bear in mind whichever airline you fly with will have its own procedures and requirements. Make sure, for example, that you know what kind of travel crate they will accept. Some airlines only accept bookings via pet transit agents, but others will deal with you directly.

I can't really comment on whether it's better (or even obligatory?) to pay for a pet agent when coming for NZ. Based on moving my cats from the EU to the States and back again, I found an agent unnecessary if you're happy to deal with the paperwork, crates etc yourself, and have no problem getting the pets to and from the airport. You also need a vet who will take the time to do all the paperwork properly and understands its importance!

I'm writing all this under the assumption you have a dog or cat; please just ignore it if you have a komodo dragon.

DEFRA link: https://www.gov.uk/pet-travel-inform...ts-and-ferrets