Tailtrip / Routes / United States → United Kingdom

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

Plan at least 22 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 10 days.

Minimum from scratch: 22 days
If already vaccinated: 10 days
Quarantine: None for pets that meet the rules
Last checked: 3 November 2026

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
10 days before travelGreat Britain pet health certificate: USDA-accredited vet fills it in, APHIS endorses it (about $101). Must be within 10 days before arrival Official page
4 days before travelTapeworm treatment by a vet, 24 to 120 hours before arrival (dogs only)Dogs only
Start nowPets must fly as cargo on an approved route and carrier (except assistance dogs) Official page

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

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Good to know

No blood test needed from the USA.
Some dog types are banned in the UK.

Sources

www.gov.uk · official source
www.aphis.usda.gov · official source

Confidence. High: every rule confirmed on an official page.

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.