Anyone ever import a pup to the uk? Share your experience

[Davis]

Just made my deposit for my pup!! Get to take him home second week in December. I'm just a little curious if anyone from the uk has imported before and could clear some of my curiosity up. Basically my pup will be shipped to France and I'm going to have to drive there and back to pick him up and drive him into the UK. Wondering if it's possible to fly to France and pay to have the pup flown back on the plane with me or will this put the puppy into quarantine? Obviously I'm not going to do that if it will, Id just rather fly if viable. I'm really hoping the pup will be okay during the flight I'm going to bring lots to prepare to clean him up just incase he does get a bad stomach on the plane ! If any of you guys have imported to the uk or anywhere in general just share your experience! Let me know how it went and details, etc

 

[Katja Henriksen]

There should be no difference in how you bring the pup into the country, plane, tunnel or ship. The rules are the same.
I however, would say that it would be more comfortable for the pup to drive rather than fly as you can stop frequently and offer water and go for a little walk to relieve bladder etc.

My girls are from the UK, so I have only traveled with adult dogs, so not sure what the rules are regarding age etc. I'm pretty sure they have to be old enough to get the Rabies vaccine and possibly a titer. They have changed the rules and made it easier since we lived there but I doubt they have change the Rabies vaccination part. Have you looked into the import rules? Would be bad to no be allowed in when you try to cross the border.

 

[Davis]

Yes of course I've read importing rules, the pup will be fully vaccinated when I get him with passport and all. What confused me was I wasn't able to have the pup sent directly to the UK on a direct flight other wise it's quarantined.. But if I go to france or where ever in Europe hes being sent to and pick him up myself, he won't be quarantined and I'm able to drive him into the UK. I'm sure my breeder will know all the information but in the mean time I was wondering if anyone here knew to ease my curiosity!

I was hoping to be able to fly with the pup because it's about a 6 hour drive/boat ride from France.. where as the flight takes a fraction of the time

 

[Judith]

sorry no I have never imported, I think the Rabies vaccine hold thing up, is he/she being give the vaccination well before she arrives in France?, I found this but you have probably read everything to do with importing.

Rabies vaccination and boosters
You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel to another EU country or back into the UK.

Get your pet microchipped before the rabies vaccination or they will need to be vaccinated again.

EU and listed countries
You must wait 21 days after the vaccination before your pet can travel to or return to the UK from another EU or non-EU listed country.

After the first vaccination and waiting period, you can enter the UK whenever you like as long as booster vaccinations are given on time and you continue to meet the other entry requirements.

Unlisted countries
Your pet must have a blood test 30 days after the rabies vaccination. The date of the vaccination counts as day 0, not day 1.

You must wait 3 calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before travelling. The vet must give you a copy of the test results. These must show that the vaccination was successful.

You don’t have to wait 3 months if your pet was vaccinated, blood tested and given a pet passport in the EU before travelling to an unlisted country.

 

[JanS]

Congrats on your new puppy! I can't wait to see photos of him!

We've had both of our dogs flown in (although not from another country) and they've done very well with the flights. You'll definitely want things to clean him up since I've never seen on who hasn't had some sort of an accident in the crate. Even if you have some waterless shampoo, wipes and clean bedding it will be fine until he gets home with you.

 

[Judith]

I suggest you give these people a ring for good advice, it may work out cheaper using a company like this.


Pet Air UK | A bespoke pet travel service owned and run by vets


Animalcouriers • worldwide pet shipping and animal transport services

 

[iceman]

Take your time & read the link below carefully.. Although importing pets to UK has been made easier after January 1st 2012 it is still a bit complicated..

>>>> Pet Travel Scheme « Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency

 

[Davis]

Take your time & read the link below carefully.. Although importing pets to UK has been made easier after January 1st 2012 it is still a bit complicated..

>>>> Pet Travel Scheme « Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency

I've read through it and I get the basics of it still a lot to take in. Basically the breeder said he'd handle it all and make it easy as possible for me but I'd still like to understand it on my end. I may end up paying for a service to collect and deliver for me if it will save me a big hassle depending on cost.

Still waiting to hear back quotes and details anyways. In the mean time thanks again for the info

Really can't wait to have my pup come home counting down the days

 

[iceman]

This is another useful link >> Pet travel: quarantine - Detailed guidance - GOV.UK