Bringing a dog or cat from Russia to the UK in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 21 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 1 day.

Steps, in order

Start nowMicrochip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccineSkip if already chipped and vaccinated

With or after the microchipRabies vaccine (pet must be at least 12 weeks old), then wait 21 full daysSkip if already chipped and vaccinated

21 days after the rabies vaccineEarliest day the 21-day rabies wait is overSkip if already chipped and vaccinated

5 days before travelRussian vet certificate Form 1 from a state vet clinic (SBBZh), issued in the Mercury system no earlier than 5 days before departure Official page

5 days before travelGreat Britain pet health certificate signed by an official vet (in Russia ask Rosselkhoznadzor who signs it). The pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of issue Official page

4 days before travelTapeworm treatment by a vet, 24 hours to 5 days before arrival (dogs only)Dogs only

Start nowPets must fly as cargo on an approved route and carrier Official page

Get the dated plan for your trip. Pick your pet and travel date and see every deadline from today.

Plan this trip

Good to know

GOV.UK lists Russia as a listed country, so no blood test is needed (checked 3 November 2026). Several commercial guides say the opposite: check the GOV.UK page again before you book.
There are no direct flights: check which approved routes you can use from your transit city.

Sources

www.gov.uk · official source
www.gov.uk · official source
fsvps.gov.ru · official source

Confidence. Medium: some details come from secondary sources or search extracts. Confirm before you start.

Last checked 3 November 2026. Your vet, the airline and the border authority have the final word. Rules change: check the official pages again before you fly.