It is said that “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

Your pets are really a part of your soul, especially your dog. When you are traveling in a country other than the country you live in, the question that worries you the most is: what would happen to my most loyal friend without me? How can I take him/her with me?

Don’t worry, there are solutions. You can travel to the UK with your dog. You just need to know the correct procedures. Here I am to help you know the most important things about how to travel to the UK with your dog.

Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

Before you start the process, you should find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. He/she will guide you through all the processes. He/she can provide you with the correct information about the requirements and documents for your travel.

Microchips

You need to get your dog microchipped before you travel to the UK. It is the first requirement for traveling to the UK with your pet friend. This can be done easily at your local vet or nearby veterinary hospital. It is a painless process and won’t take more than 5-6 minutes. You need to make sure of 2 things: the microchip is ISO compatible and it is a 15-digit microchip.

Rabies Vaccination

Vaccination is also a must for your dog to visit the UK. Remember one thing, you should get your dog microchipped before the vaccination.

Tapeworm Treatment 

Tapeworm treatment is another must before entering the UK with your dog. It must undergo the Tapeworm treatment at least a week before your flight.

Now let’s have a look at two lists of countries. The first one is the ‘Part 1’ listed countries, and the second one is the ‘Part 2’ listed countries. Find out which list you are from. This will be needed for the next part of your processing.

‘Part 1’ listed countries

The following countries are ‘part 1’ listed:

• EU countries
• Andorra
• Azores and Madeira
• Canary Islands
• French Guiana
• Gibraltar
• Greenland and the Faroe Islands
• Guadeloupe
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Martinique
• Mayotte (French territory)
• Monaco
• Norway
• Réunion (French territory)
• Saint Barthélemy (French Territory)
• San Marino
• Saint Martin (French part of the island – French territory)
• Switzerland
• Vatican City State

Now, if you are traveling from one of these countries, these are the documents you need.

Pet Travel Document for ‘part 1’ listed countries (any one of the following) 

A pet passport: This pet passport should be issued in a ‘part 1’ listed country

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This AHC should be issued in Great Britain in the last 4 months

A Great Britain Pet Health Certificate:  

If you have any one of these four, you are free to go. Get the help of your vet or a local agent to arrange one of these documents if you don’t have any.

Now, if you are not from ‘Part 1’ listed countries, have a look at the ‘Part 2’ listed countries.

‘Part 2’ listed countries

   The following countries are ‘part 2’ listed:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Aruba
• Ascension Island
• Australia
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Bermuda
• BES Islands (Bonair, Saint Eustatius and Saba)
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Chile
• Curaçao
• Falkland Islands
• Fiji
• French Polynesia
• Hong Kong
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Montserrat
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Russian Federation
• Saint Maarten
• Singapore
• St Helena
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Pierre and Miquelon
• St Vincent and The Grenadines
• Taiwan
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• USA (includes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands)
• Vanuatu
• Wallis and Futuna

If you are traveling from one of these countries. These are the documents you need. 

Pet Travel Document for ‘part 2’ listed countries  

Great Britain Pet Certificate:  You need a Great Britain Pet Certificate if you are traveling from a ‘part 2’ listed country. 

This is the only thing you need. 

But remember one thing: you cannot use a pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if you are traveling from a Part 2 listed country. So, the only thing you require is the Great Britain Pet Certificate.

Any Malaysians here? This is only for you! 

You’ll need extra documents if you’re entering Great Britain with a dog from Malaysia.

Countries that are not listed

If your country is not listed above, you need to manage a Great Britain pet health certificate for your dog to bring him/her to the UK.

Your dog will not need a pet passport or Health Certificate If you are traveling from:  

• Northern Ireland
• the Channel Islands
• the Isle of Man

Now the complex part is done. Once you have arranged all the necessary documents required, you need to start following these simple procedures.

Crate

You need to buy a crate to ensure the safe travel of your dog. The crate must meet the airlines and international requirements. Also, make sure that it has enough space for your dog so that it can move and sleep easily. Proper ventilation is also needed. Don’t forget to consider these things.

Water Bottle

Don’t forget to attach a water bottle to the crate. The flight crews will give your dog water if needed during the travel and transit hours.

Book a Flight

Book a flight for your beloved dog. It can be the same flight you are traveling on or a different flight. But make sure they handle your dog properly and ensure the best comfort for your pet.

If you follow all the steps carefully, it will not be a tough task to complete all the arrangements. Hope you have a great time with your dog in the UK.