Keep in mind microchips do not act as GPS devices or tracking devices for your pet. Instead, they contain a radio-frequency identification that acts as a permanent ID for your pet. The microchip procedure is painless for your pet and can be done at your vet’s office. [2] X Research source Not all microchips use the same reader. To ensure the chip can be read, you can purchase one that is compatible with the chip, or you can ask your vet what type of chip has been implanted and then contact the UK DEFRA organization to see if the readers are compatible. If the chip cannot be read, you pet will likely be put into quarantine.
Once your vet gives your pet the rabies vaccine, you will need to wait 21 days from the day after your pet received the vaccine to make arrangements for your pet to enter the UK.
The treatment must be approved for use in the country in which it’s being given. If your dog has tapeworm, your veterinarian should apply the treatment for tapeworm no more than five days before your pet is scheduled to be shipped to the UK, and the treatment should be recorded on your pet’s health certificate to show he has been treated for tapeworm.
Your pet should travel within 10 days of the certificate being issued. The certificate is valid for four months if your pet does any more travelling within the UK. The certificate will be reviewed and stamped by an official when your pet first enters the UK.
The details of ownership, including the full owner name(s). A full description of the animal. Any identifications of the animal, such as the microchip information. Confirmation of vaccination against rabies, as well as rabies blood tests. Confirmation of tapeworm treatment, if applicable.
A blank UK declaration form for pets can be found here: https://www. gov. uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/393123/declaration-non-commercial-movement. pdf.
A list of approved routes under the Pet Travel Scheme can be found here: https://www. gov. uk/government/publications/pet-travel-approved-air-sea-rail-and-charter-routes-for-the-movement-of-pets. Keep in mind if you are travelling with more than five pets or planning to ship more than five pets at once, you will need to comply with additional rules and guidelines. Ask the transport company about the guidelines around shipping multiple pets at once.
Once your pet arrives in the UK, airport staff will scan your pet’s microchip and examine your pet’s travel documentation. If your pet does not have the required travel documentation or has not received the required vaccines for travel to the UK, he may be held in quarantine or sent back to his country of origin. As the pet owner, you are responsible for the quarantine fee (usually £300/month for dogs and £200/month for cats) for your pet. The UK has a mandatory six month quarantine period for pets who do not fall under the UK Pet Travel Scheme. [11] X Research source
