The UK does not allow pets to arrive as excess baggage from the United States. Every pet enters as manifest cargo through an approved Animal Reception Centre, and the paperwork is checked before your pet is released.
Microchip, rabies, 21 days
The same sequence as the EU: ISO microchip first, rabies vaccination after the chip, then a 21-day wait before entry.
Health documentation is issued close to travel and endorsed by USDA APHIS before departure.
Tapeworm treatment window
Dogs must be treated for tapeworm by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in the UK, recorded with the exact date and time.
Miss the window and the pet is held at the reception centre until treatment is completed there, at your cost.
Banned breeds
The Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits the Pit Bull Terrier type, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and the XL Bully type from entering the UK.
Our quote calculator flags these breeds immediately rather than taking a deposit for a move that cannot legally happen.
What it costs
Cargo runs roughly $1,350 for a small pet to $3,500 for a giant crate, plus crate, veterinary and health certificate, USDA endorsement, UK export documentation, the Animal Reception Centre fee and customs clearance.
Door delivery within the UK is arranged with a local partner after release.
Frequently asked questions
Does my pet have to be quarantined in the UK?
No, provided all requirements are met. Pets are checked at the Animal Reception Centre and released the same day.
Can my pet fly with me on the same flight?
Often yes, on the same aircraft as manifest cargo. It cannot travel as your checked baggage into the UK.
How long does UK paperwork take?
Plan on 30 days minimum because of the 21-day rabies wait, and longer if the microchip or vaccination has to be redone.