Bringing a Pet to the UK in 2026: post-Brexit rules, health certificates, and tapeworm timing
Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read
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What the UK requires
Listed vs unlisted countries
The UK divides origin countries into two categories.
Listed countries (includes US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, UAE, and most EU countries): no rabies titre test required. You need a microchip, rabies vaccine, GB Pet Health Certificate, and tapeworm treatment for dogs.
Unlisted countries (includes most of Africa, South and Central America, and parts of Asia): rabies titre test required. The test must show a result of 0.5 IU/mL or above. After a successful result, you wait 3 months before travel. This adds at least 4 to 5 months to the total preparation time.
Check the current APHA list before assuming your country of origin is listed. The list is updated and countries move between categories.
The GB Pet Health Certificate
The EU Pet Passport has not been accepted for entry into the UK since January 2021. Every pet needs a GB Pet Health Certificate issued by an Official Vet, authorised by the relevant government authority in your country (APHIS in the US, CFIA in Canada, and equivalents elsewhere).
The certificate is valid for 10 days for travel to the UK. On the return journey, it is valid for 4 months. One certificate covers up to 5 animals of the same species travelling together.
Tapeworm treatment for dogs
The treatment must contain Praziquantel and must be administered by a vet. Timing: no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before your scheduled arrival time in the UK.
This is measured from arrival, not departure. If your journey includes a connecting flight and the total travel time is 20 hours, your vet needs to administer the treatment no more than 100 hours before landing in the UK.
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Timeline
For listed countries:
Confirm microchip was implanted before rabies vaccination. If not, the vaccination record is invalid and a new vaccine must be given after the microchip.
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and will not expire before arrival.
GB Pet Health Certificate issued by Official Vet.
Tapeworm treatment administered by vet (dogs only).
For unlisted countries:
Microchip implanted (before vaccine), rabies vaccination given.
Rabies titre test at approved laboratory.
Confirm result is 0.5 IU/mL or above. 3-month waiting period begins.
GB Pet Health Certificate issued by Official Vet.
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only).
What it costs
- GB Pet Health Certificate: GBP 150 to GBP 300 depending on vet and country
- Rabies titre test (unlisted countries): USD 150 to USD 300 or equivalent
- Tapeworm treatment: GBP 20 to GBP 60
- Airline fee: varies by route and carrier
The part most people get wrong
If the vaccine was given before the microchip, the entire vaccination record is invalid from the UK's perspective. A new vaccination must be administered after the microchip is in place, which resets all timelines. Check the dates on your pet's records before booking the GB Pet Health Certificate appointment.
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Frequently asked questions
No. The EU Pet Passport has not been accepted for UK entry since January 2021. A GB Pet Health Certificate is required.
Dogs must receive a Praziquantel tapeworm treatment from a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in the UK. The timing is measured from arrival, not departure.
Only if you are travelling from an unlisted country. From listed countries including the US, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, no titre test is required.
10 days for travel to the UK. On the return journey, the certificate is valid for 4 months.
You have read the general rules. Your country of origin, your airline, and your dog's breed may change everything. A personal plan covers your exact situation. $24, human-reviewed before delivery.
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