Introduction
Under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974 (as amended), all domestic dogs and cats must undergo six months quarantine on arrival into Great Britain. Entry will not be granted unless an import licence has been obtained from the relevant Department (dependant on where an animal is to land and be cleared by HM Customs).
If an animal is to be landed and cleared by HM Customs at a port or airport in England your application form should be submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
If they are to be landed at an airport in England but transhipped to an airport in Scotland for HM Customs clearance, or to be landed directly into Scotland, your application should be submitted to the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD).
Appliaction forms can also available fom the above departments, which aim to provide a prompt, efficient and courteous service. Your licence will be issued within 5 working days of receipt of your application providing all relevant information is included and a booking is confirmed with a quarantine kennel/cattery.
For contact details please see the useful contacts. Follow this link for guidance on importing cats or dogs.
Pet Travel Scheme
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) has recently been introduced in Scotland to allow cat and dog owners to bring their pets into Britain from certain qualifying countries without entering quarantine, providing they comply with certain regulations.Please use the left hand menu to find more information.
Commercially Traded Dogs and Cats
New regulations were introduced on 1 July 1994 for commercially traded dogs and cats entering the UK from other European Union countries. Please use the left hand menu to find more information.
Additional guidance Has been published to assist carriers (e.g. ferry operators, airlines, railway companies) to care for and protect the welfare of pet animals during journeys to and from Great Britain. Although primarily directed at carriers accepting passengers who are transporting pet animals (dogs and cats) to Scotland under the 'Pet Travel Scheme' (PETS), the principles apply to the transport of any pet dog or cat on other journeys.