Moving with pets can be an exhausting and demanding process, particularly if moving across international borders. Pet owners relocating from the US to England require careful planning and compliance with regulations for their furry family members’ safe transition. Here are eight essential tips to assist in moving pets to England from USA.
Tips for Moving Pets to England from USA
1. Understand Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) Requirements
The UK offers the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which allows US pets to enter without quarantine, provided they meet specific criteria such as microchipping, rabies vaccination, and blood testing. You must familiarise yourself with these requirements well in advance to prevent any last-minute issues that might arise.
2. Microchunk Your Pet
Before any vaccinations in International Pet Transportation, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit pet microchip to verify their identification in the UK. If they already have one that isn’t compliant, ISO-compliant microchip implants or readers can help verify it and be implanted or carried for later.
3. Acquire Rabies Vaccination
After having microchipped your pet, the next step should be getting them vaccinated against rabies for International Pet Transportation. In order for entry to be valid into the UK, vaccination must take place after microchipping; be sure to obtain a certificate that has been signed and dated by your vet as proof.
4. Blood Test (If Necessary)
As of 2021, pets traveling between the USA and the UK no longer require blood testing if they have been vaccinated against rabies; however, regulations can change, and it’s always best to verify current requirements well in advance of the travel date.
5. Dog Tapeworm Treatment
Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1 to 5 days prior to entering the UK, as required by their health certificate. Note: this requirement does not apply to cats or ferrets.
6. Acquire an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
An Animal Health Certificate is necessary when traveling with pets into the UK and should be obtained from an official veterinarian (OV) no more than 10 days prior to travel. An AHC confirms your pet meets entry requirements; make sure the vet completes it accurately to avoid complications at customs.
7. Select an Approved Transport Method
Pets traveling to England must do so using an approved transport company and route. Airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer pet travel services that comply with UK regulations, making reservations essential for smooth travel arrangements. IATA-approved carriers provide comfortable yet safe transport of your furry companion.
8. Prep for Arrival
Once arriving in the UK, border control will inspect all paperwork and requirements of your pet to make sure everything meets regulations. To expedite this process and avoid delays or quarantine if anything doesn’t match up properly, preparation is critical for success!
Additional Tips
Acclimatize Your Pet to its Travel Carrier: To reduce stress during a move, familiarizing your pet with his or her travel carrier well in advance can make the journey much less taxing on both parties involved.
Plan for Layovers: If your travel involves layovers, ensure the airline can accommodate your pet during these stops. Some airports even have facilities designed to make layovers more comfortable for both you and your pet.
Consult a Pet Relocation Service: If the process feels overwhelming, consider consulting with a professional pet relocation service. These experts can manage logistics and ensure all regulations are followed during their move – giving you peace of mind during this process.
Bottom Line
Moving pets to England from USA involves careful planning and strict adherence to specific regulations. By adhering to these tips and staying organized, Pets to England can help your loved pet make a smooth and safe journey, helping them settle into their new home in England more comfortably.