Introduction
Mammals may not be imported into this country unless a licence has been granted in advance under the Rabies(Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974 (As Amended). This requires your pet to be detained and isolated, at your expense, at an approved quarantine premises for 6 calendar months from the date of its landing. It can though be released at any time for immediate re-export.
There are no quarantine premises in Scotland which offer quarantine facilities for privately owned mammals, there are however facilities in the UK which may be used. follow this link for the quarantine facilities.
Should the quarantine premises agree to accept your pet(s) they will deal with all documentation on your behalf, including arrangements to collect the animal(s) at the port/airport of landing, clearance through Customs and safe custody to the quarantine premises.
All expenses concerned with the landing, transit and quarantine of an imported animal are solely for settlement between the owner of the animal and the quarantine premises concerned. Quarantine and transport charges vary considerably, details of charges can be obtained direct from quarantine premises.
If you are unable to find any authorised quarantine accommodation then DEFRA will not be able to issue a licence for importation of your animal. In these circumstances we can only suggest that you might try and make satisfactory arrangements for it to be placed in a good home in the country you are leaving.
Rabbits
Rabbits are not only controlled by the above mentioned Order but also by the Non-Indigenous Rabbits (Prohibition of Importation and Keeping) Order 1954 which prohibits the importation into, or keeping within Great Britain of all species of rabbits, other than the European species.
Rare Species
Licences from The Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service are also required for the importation of certain rare animals. Application forms and full details are available from:
Department of Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs,
Zone Eagle,
Temple Quay House,
2 The Square,
Temple Quay,
Bristol,
BS1 6EB.
Telephone: 0117 372 8433
Fax: 0177 372 8206
Website: www.ukcites.gov.uk
Landing Sites
Animals may be landed in Great Britain only at the following ports/airports:
- SeaPorts:-
Dover (Eastern Docks), Harwich (Parkeston Quay), Hull, Portsmouth, Southampton - Airports:-
Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Leeds, Manchester, Prestwick - Rail:-
Coquelles (Eurotunnel)
It is an offence to try to land an animal at any other port/airport.
Animals imported into Great Britain by air must travel as manifested freight in the freight compartment of an aircraft and NOT as excess baggage. In no circumstances will animals be allowed to travel in the passenger cabin sections.
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