🐕 Taking a Dog to United Kingdom

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Here's exactly what you need to bring a dog into United Kingdom 🇬🇧. The rules below are specific to dogs; for the full country overview see the country hub.

Verified entry requirements (2026)

1. Microchip — before the rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies vaccination — wait ≥21 days after the first vaccination. (Minimum vaccination age 12 weeks — verify on gov.uk.)
3. Titer test — ONLY if travelling from a country that is NOT in the EU AND NOT “listed”. Blood ≥30 days after vaccination, ≥0.5 IU/ml; then wait 3 months from the blood-draw date to travel.
4. Document (depends on origin): from the EU — EU pet passport, a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC), or a Great Britain pet health certificate. From a “listed” country (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) — usually a Great Britain pet health certificate. From “not listed” — GB pet health certificate + titer test.
5. Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) — by a vet each entry; window not less than 24 h and not more than 120 h (1–5 days) before arrival; praziquantel. Not required from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Norway. Cats don’t need it.
6. Breeds — banned types cannot be imported without a Certificate of Exemption: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, XL Bully (verify the current list on gov.uk).
7. Quarantine — up to 4 months if the rules are not met.
8. Cabin / cargo — pets must travel by an approved route, by air usually as manifested cargo; cabin into GB is generally not allowed (except special conditions for assistance dogs).

Flying

Dogs travel in cargo on this route — book an IATA-compliant crate.

Breed rules

Restricted breeds for United Kingdom: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, XL Bully. Check airline brachycephalic rules too.

Taking a dog to the UK: DEFRA & Approved Route Requirements (2026)

Entering Great Britain with a dog requires strict adherence to DEFRA / APHA regulations. Two crucial details must not be missed: First, all dogs must enter via an approved route and authorized carrier (such as Eurotunnel LeShuttle, authorized ferry routes, or manifest cargo on approved airlines). Dogs are generally not allowed in the passenger cabin on scheduled commercial flights into the UK.

Second, a vet must administer an approved tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) strictly between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before the scheduled arrival time in the UK. The exact time and date must be recorded in the official health certificate or passport.

Additionally, the Dangerous Dogs Act strictly prohibits specific breeds and types (including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully). Always carry the endorsed GB Pet Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport.

FAQ

Can my dog fly in the cabin to United Kingdom?

Dogs travel in cargo on this route — book an IATA-compliant crate.

Does my dog need a titer test?

Yes — and the waiting period can be long, so start early.

How many pets can I bring?

Usually up to 5 per traveler.

Can my dog fly in the cabin to the UK?

No. On commercial flights to the UK, dogs must travel as manifest cargo or arrive via authorized sea/rail routes like Eurotunnel.

When must the tapeworm treatment be given for the UK?

Strictly between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before your scheduled arrival time in the UK, recorded with date and time by a licensed vet.

Are XL Bully and Pit Bulls allowed into the UK?

No. The UK Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and XL Bullies.

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