Discovering the U.K.

Page 28

Pets

Deciding on whether or not to bring your family pet on international assignment is a personal

decision. Before making your decision, consider the following:



How long will your stay be in the U.K.?



Will having your pet with you help your family adjust to the new life?



If you do not bring your pet, will you worry about your pet the entire time you are

away?

Regulations

The U.K. is rabies-free, as such the British have strict quarantine laws that require many

animals to spend six months in quarantine. Pets may only enter designated ports and

airports, and smuggling pets is a serious offence. The government can legally destroy any

animals illegally brought into the country and smugglers can face a jail sentence if caught.

Registration

For moving within the EU, a dog, cat, or ferret will need a pet passport. For moving into the

EU, pet owners need a third-country official veterinary certificate, and to complete a

declaration confirming that the pet will not be sold or ownership transferred. The pet must

arrive within 10 days of the certificate issued, and is valid for four months for travel within the

EU. In England, Wales, and Scotland, pet owners should have an airport official sign and

stamp the certificate. In Northern Ireland, they must have an official from the Department of

Agriculture and Rural Development sign and stamp the certificate.

Care

The first and most important thing to do for your pet is to follow local laws for licencing and

vaccinating for rabies. Your Dwellworks Consultant can provide referrals to veterinarians in

your area. Many cities also have 24-hour or late night clinics for after-hour pet emergencies.

Microchipping for cats and dogs is

a good way to ensure your cat or

dog has some form of identity. Most

re-homing and rescue centres now

use scanning devices to read

microchips on lost pets. Cats and

dogs must be microchipped as part

of the “Passports for Pet” scheme if

they will be traveling to approved

countries and to avoid quarantine

on their return into the U.K.