The EU pet passport

To travel to France and other EU Member States, dogs and cats meeting the necessary requirements may only move between EU Member States if they are accompanied by an EU pet passport. Please visit DEFRA's website for full details.

The Pet Travel Scheme

Please note:From 1 January 2012 all pet dogs, cats and ferrets (including guide and hearing dogs) can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending on the country or territory the pet is coming from.

The Pet Travel Scheme is the system which allows pet dogs (including guide dogs and other assistance dogs), cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules.

NEW:  Pet travel rules from 1 January 2012

Preparing your dog, cat or ferret: Visit the DEFRA's website for further information.

Entry rules for pets entering the UK from the EU:

What has to be done	BEFORE	NEW: From 1 January 2012
Microchip	Yes	Yes
Rabies vaccination	Yes	Yes
Documentation (pet passport or third country certificate)	Yes	Yes
Blood test (dogs and cats)	Yes	No
Pre-entry waiting period	Yes	Yes
Length of waiting period before entry to the UK	6 months from date  sample taken for blood test	21 days after vaccination against rabies
Tick treatment	Yes (24-48 hours before embarkation)	No
Tapeworm treatment	Yes (as for ticks)	Pet dogs only, 1 to 5 days before arrival time in the UK*

*From 1 January 2012 tapeworm rules will apply to pet dogs only. Not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme, your dog must be treated against tapeworm and the treatment recorded in the EU pet passport or the third country official veterinary certificate.

Travelling to the UK on approved routes

You should be aware that dogs, cats and ferrets are required to enter the UK on approved routes. It is not possible to import pets into the UK in a private boat or plane. Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company. Please visit DEFRA's website for full details.

Dangerous dogs in Great Britain

Please visit DEFRA's website for full details.

Travelling to France from the UK with your pets

Where to find information

- Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l'Alimentation, de la Pêche et des Affaires Rurales
- French Embassy in London

Please note that dogs, cats and ferrets meeting the necessary requirements are able to move between EU member states if they are accompanied by an EU pet passport.

Dangerous dogs in France (defence, attack and guard dogs)