Bringing Pets to the UK and Vet School

Remember that you are going to be a full-time student and you live on a meager budget (unless you are very lucky). Bringing a pet with you is VERY expensive and there are a lot of requirements that must be met.

As place to start check the UK GOV website https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain. You should also use the DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) website to check which species are allowed and transportation routes etc.

You will also need to find an airline who will ship your pet on that route. Currently, the airlines who ship animals to the UK (from the US!) are United, Virgin, Air New Zealand and British Airways. This can all change, however, so check with each of them--they will have a special help desk to speak to you.

All of them will definitely need a Rabies vaccine and an ISO Microchip, the timing of which is important part of the process as well. Again see the links above as place to start gathering infromation.

Also, bear in mind that specific breeds (e.g. Pit Bulls or lookalikes) are banned from the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act. More information about canine legislation found here.

Other breeds (brachycephalics) have major restrictions when it comes to flying. Check with each airline to find out their requirements.

A good idea might be to bring yourself over first and get settled, and then send for your pets, or bring them over at the Christmas break or after the first summer break.

Two things to bear in mind initially:

You need to check with your accomodation provider (landlord, letting agency etc...) that the species of animal you wish to bring over is actually allowed at the place you will be living.
Each time you go back home or go away to do EMS, you need to make arrangements for them, and pet sitters are in high demand during breaks.

Bringing Pets to the UK

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