Traveling With Pets: Uk To Us Rules And Regulations

The process of bringing pets from the UK to the US involves several steps. While cats and dogs do not require a permit or rabies vaccination to enter the US, as the UK is rabies-free, there are other important considerations. Firstly, obtaining a health certificate from a veterinarian is necessary to ensure your pet is fit to travel. Secondly, contacting the airline and the respective State Department of Agriculture is essential to check for any additional documentation and guidance on registering your pet upon arrival. The CDC governs the rules for pet travel from the UK to the US, and different states may have their own specific requirements, such as Florida's insistence on a valid rabies vaccination. Transporting pets as cargo may also be necessary, and familiarising your pet with their travel crate is crucial for their safety and comfort. Additionally, costs associated with endorsement, airfreight, and taxes, such as the Value Added Tax (VAT), should be considered. Overall, understanding the regulations and planning carefully are vital steps to ensure a smooth journey when travelling with pets from the UK to the US.

Microchipping and rabies vaccination requirements

When travelling with pets, there are a number of requirements that must be met, including microchipping and rabies vaccination.

Microchipping

Your pet must be microchipped before they get their rabies vaccination. This is a requirement for entering Great Britain with your pet, but it is also recommended when travelling to the US. ISO microchips, known as ISO microchip standards 11784 and 11785, are often required for international travel. These are implanted by a veterinarian prior to administering the rabies booster vaccination.

Rabies Vaccination

Cats and dogs do not require a rabies vaccination to enter the US from the UK, as the UK and Ireland are rabies-free. However, it is recommended that you get a health certificate from your veterinarian stating that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. This is a requirement for entering Great Britain with your pet.

If you are entering Great Britain with your pet, you must wait at least 21 days after the primary vaccination (or the last of the primary course of vaccinations) before travelling. Your pet must have had their first rabies vaccinations (the 'primary course'), which can be given in more than one dose. Your pet may need to restart the primary course if they do not have all doses or a booster at the right time. Your vet can advise if your pet's rabies vaccinations are up to date.

The vaccine must be an inactivated or recombinant vaccine approved in the country of use. If your pet has had the Canvac R vaccination, they must have had the right number of doses of the primary course: one dose if vaccinated over the age of five months, or two doses if under, with the doses 2-4 weeks apart. All pets with the Canvac R vaccination must be at least 17 weeks old before they travel.

If your dog has had the Canvac DHPPiL+ R vaccination, they must have had three doses of the primary course of the vaccine, with each dose 3 weeks apart, and be at least 21 weeks old before travelling.

Health certificates

When travelling with pets, it is important to get a health certificate from your veterinarian stating that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. This is a requirement for pets travelling from the UK to the US, and vice versa.

Cats and dogs do not require a permit to enter the US, nor do they require a rabies vaccination, as the UK and Ireland are rabies-free. However, you should get a health certificate from your vet stating that your pet is fit and healthy to travel.

The UK has two different health certificates for pets: a "non-commercial" certificate and a "commercial" certificate. The certificate you need depends on the number of animals travelling, whether the pet is travelling within 5 days before or after the owner, and whether the pet will change ownership or is intended for resale.

The "non-commercial" health certificate is for:

• 5 or fewer pets travelling to the UK within 5 days of the owner.
• 6 or more privately-owned pets that are more than 6 months old and travelling in a group to the UK to participate in competitions, exhibitions, sporting events, or training within 5 days of the owner.

The "commercial" health certificate is for:

• Any number of pets travelling more than 5 days before or after the owner.
• 6 or more privately-owned pets travelling at the same time, even if their owner is travelling to the UK at the same time or within 5 days before or after the pet.
• Pets changing ownership or intended for resale when arriving in the UK.

General Requirements for Health Certificates

Regardless of the type of health certificate, there are some general requirements that must be met:

• The health certificate must be completed and signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian or Military Veterinarian.
• The health certificate must be endorsed (counter-signed and embossed/sealed) by APHIS within a specified time frame, depending on the type of certificate.
• The health certificate must include specific information, such as the brand name and manufacturer of any medications administered, the date and time of administration, and the signature and printed name of the administering veterinarian.
• The health certificate must be accurate, legible, and complete.
• The pet must meet all health requirements of the destination country before the health certificate is issued.

Crate training

Cats and dogs can travel from the UK to the US. They do not require a permit to enter the US, nor do they require a rabies vaccination as the UK and Ireland are rabies-free. However, you should get a health certificate from your vet stating that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. You should also contact your airline and the respective State Department of Agriculture to check if they require any further documents and for guidance on how to register your pet once you arrive.

• Start by leaving the crate out in a room where the cat often goes. Remove the door to make it less intimidating, and place treats, toys, and comfortable bedding inside to encourage your cat to explore.
• Make the crate cozy by adding soft bedding, familiar blankets, and toys. You can also place a piece of clothing that smells like you inside to make your cat feel more at ease.
• Use positive reinforcement. Offer praise and treats when your cat goes near or inside the crate. You can also try playing with your cat near the crate or using their favourite toy to encourage them to spend time inside.
• Take it slow. Crate training can take time, especially with older cats. Gradually increase the amount of time your cat spends in the crate, starting with just a few minutes and working your way up.
• Create a hiding spot. Some cats like to hide in small spaces, so try covering the crate with a blanket or sheet to create a cozy den.
• Consider a larger crate. Cats like space, so opt for a larger crate that allows your cat to move around comfortably. You can also try using a crate with multiple levels or compartments to make it more appealing.
• Be patient and consistent. It might take weeks or even months for your cat to become comfortable with the crate. Consistency is key, so keep providing positive reinforcement and don't give up!

By following these steps, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and relaxed during travel, making the overall experience less stressful for both you and your furry friend.

Commercial vs non-commercial pet travel

When travelling with a pet, it's important to understand the difference between commercial and non-commercial travel, as this can impact the requirements, documentation, and regulations you must follow. Here's a detailed overview of commercial vs non-commercial pet travel from the UK to the US:

Non-Commercial Pet Travel:

Non-commercial travel involves bringing pets for personal reasons, such as relocation, vacations, or temporary stays. To qualify as non-commercial travel, the pet owner must travel within 5 days of their pet and be there to collect them upon arrival. Here are some key points to consider for non-commercial pet travel:

• Animal Health Certificate: For non-commercial travel, pets must have an Animal Health Certificate issued by an authorised veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This certificate includes details about vaccinations, microchips, and other relevant information, eliminating the need for quarantine.
• Microchipping and Vaccinations: All pets travelling, regardless of the purpose, must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Microchipping ensures proper identification, while rabies vaccination prevents the spread of the disease. A 21-day waiting period after the rabies vaccination is mandatory before entering the EU.
• Pet Age Restrictions: Puppies and kittens must be at least 12 weeks old and complete the 21-day wait after their rabies vaccination before they are allowed to travel.
• Proof of Travel: Proof of the owner's travel within 5 days of the pet's travel is required for non-commercial travel.

Commercial Pet Travel:

Commercial travel typically applies to pets moving for financial gain, resale, or rehoming. However, there are other scenarios where commercial regulations may apply. For example, if you have more than 5 pets travelling, they must be considered commercial cargo. Additionally, if you are rehoming an overseas rescue, not travelling within 5 days of your pet, or not permanently relocating, commercial regulations will apply. Here are some key points for commercial pet travel:

• Export Health Certificate: Commercially travelling pets must have an Export Health Certificate issued by an authorised veterinarian within 48 hours of travel. This certificate includes vaccination and microchip details, and it waives the need for quarantine.
• Import Licences: Depending on the nature of the pet transport business, import licences or specific requirements may need to be obtained to legally conduct commercial pet travel.
• Microchipping and Vaccinations: Similar to non-commercial travel, all pets travelling commercially must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, with a mandatory 21-day waiting period after the rabies vaccination before entering the EU.
• Registered Animal Trader: If you are a registered animal trader, you must comply with the Balai Directive guidelines, register your business, and ensure adherence to animal welfare standards.
• Agent Clearance: Employing an agent at the destination to handle the online customs process is necessary for commercially travelling pets, and this service typically incurs a cost of around £1000.

Whether travelling commercially or non-commercially, consulting official sources and experts is essential to ensure compliance with the most current regulations, thus guaranteeing the safety, health, and welfare of your pet during their journey.

Pet travel documents

When travelling with a pet, it is important to have the correct documentation. The specific documents you will need depend on the country you are travelling to and from, as well as the type of animal you are travelling with. Here is a step-by-step guide to the documents you will need to travel with a pet from the UK to the US:

Step 1: Check if you can bring your pet

First, you need to check if you are allowed to bring your pet to the US. Cats and dogs can be brought into the US without a permit, but other animals may have different requirements.

Step 2: Microchip your pet

Your pet must be microchipped before it can be vaccinated. This is a requirement for bringing your pet into Great Britain, and it is likely that you will need to do the same when travelling to the US. Check with the relevant authorities to confirm.

Step 3: Vaccinate your pet

In the UK, pets must be vaccinated against rabies before they can enter the country. You must wait at least 21 days after the primary vaccination or the last of the primary course of vaccinations before travelling to Great Britain. The US, however, does not require a rabies vaccination for cats and dogs as the country is rabies-free.

Step 4: Get a health certificate

Although not a requirement to enter the US, it is recommended that you get a health certificate from your veterinarian stating that your pet is fit and healthy to travel.

Step 5: Contact your airline and the State Department of Agriculture

Different airlines and states may have specific requirements for pet travel. Contact your airline and the respective State Department of Agriculture to check if they require any further documents from you and for guidance on how to register your pet once you arrive in the US.

Step 6: Check for extra rules

There may be additional rules and documentation required depending on your specific circumstances, such as if you are bringing more than five pets or if your pet is arriving separately from you. Be sure to review all the relevant guidelines before travelling.

Frequently asked questions