Quarantine in The UK

From Amy Christy - International Personal Move Counselor

While the UK now allows pets to effectively serve the mandatory 6 month quarantine in the U.S. if all of the Pet Travel Scheme requirements are met, some pet owners who must move quickly to the UK or for various other reasons may prefer to send their pets to a UK approved quarantine facility.

All approved quarantine premises in the UK are privately owned, and have different fee structures. Payment of all costs associated with the quarantine of your pet is the responsibility of the owner. You should make arrangements directly with a UK approved quarantine facility prior to sending your pet. When selecting a facility, you will want to ensure that it is within reasonable travelling distance of your home so that you can visit your pet easily.

The quarantine facility you select will apply directly to DEFRA for an import license, referred to as a “Boarding Document,” which will be required to travel with your pet. Your pet must travel with the following documents:

1. Boarding Document issued by DEFRA

2. UK Red Rabies Label

3. International Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.

All pets transported into quarantine must travel as manifest cargo and must land at specific airports. We can assist you in determining the best airlines and itinerary for your pet.

In some cases, your pet may not be required to serve an entire 6 months at the quarantine facility and may qualify for early release. This is true, for instance, if your pet has already started the veterinary work for the Pet Travel Scheme, but 6 months have not elapsed after the rabies titre test before you must transport your pet. In this case, you should provide the quarantine facility with all supporting veterinary documentation (proof of microchip implant date, rabies vaccination certificate, and results of the rabies titre blood test), and the facility’s veterinarian will complete an application for early release on your behalf. We can also review all veterinary documents to ensure that all is in order for your pet’s early release.

We have worked closely with many of the quarantine facilities in the UK, will make all necessary travel arrangements, provide veterinary instructions and all required kennel labeling, including preparing the UK Red Rabies Label on your behalf. We have found them to be staffed by professional, caring individuals that strive to offer a high level of comfort and care for your pet during their stay at their facilities!