Traveling with Pets

Any external websites or companies listed are not federally endorsed.

DEFRA governs the import and exports of pets for the U.K. For up-do-date guidance on bringing pets to the U.K. follow the step-by-step pet shipping information on DEFRA website at https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad. If you need more assistance you can contact DEFRA by email: pettravel@apha.gsi.gov.uk or phone: 011.44.370.241.1710.

The required paperwork is shown on the website listed above. Completed certificates MUST be endorsed by the USDA (if pets are coming from the U.S.) after the tapeworm treatment (dogs only) has been done. This should be documented on the U.K. health certificate by a veterinarian. The easiest way to do this is to use a military veterinary treatment facility. If you are not near a military vet, then the forms must be sent to the USDA.

It’s a requirement to use a pet shipping company. There are pet shipping companies around the local area (RAF Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Feltwell, Molesworth, Alconbury and London) that can be hired to help with the shipping process, if necessary. Please know that these can be expensive, and costs are not reimbursed. The RAF Feltwell Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) does not recommend any specific companies.

Please be aware that you must register pets with the VTF within 10 days of your pets arriving into the U.K. You must register pets even if you use other veterinary services that are available in the local area. The registration packet can be emailed to you before arrival. The VTF is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed on the last business day of each month for inventory.

It is important to realize pet laws in the U.K are different than laws in the U.S. The Animal Welfare Act makes the owner of a pet legally responsible for the care of your pet including:

1. Proper diet and fresh water
2. Suitable shelter for your pet (e.g. dog house, etc)
3. Any need to be housed with or apart from other animals
4. The ability to express normal behavior
5. Protection from and treatment of any injury or illness

You are also required to have a tag with contact information on your pet. U.K. leash laws require your dog be on a leash at all times while out of your garden (yard). If your pet is picked up by the council without contact information, you could be fined up to £100.

It is illegal to dock your pet’s ears or tail in the U.K, and de-clawing a cat is considered mutilation. No vets will perform the surgeries in the U.K.

More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/caring-for-pets.

If you go away on vacation, you are responsible to either leave your pet with someone or make sure someone stays in your home to care for your pet.

There are a number of companies in the U.K. offering pet insurance. You can find information on several companies offering pet insurance online or through your U.K. vet office. Be sure to read the small print and double-check the monthly premium.

All pets in the U.K. must be microchipped, and it needs to be a 15 digit microchip. Please understand once you arrive in the country, you will need to register your pet’s microchip number with a U.K. company. This is a law. The U.K. microchip databases CANNOT access US microchip companies’ databases. If your pet is lost all vet clinics or shelters will first scan for a microchip. If you have failed to register your pet in a U.K. database, the chances of reuniting with them will be slim.

Registering at the RAF Feltwell VTF does not automatically register your pet’s microchip number in a U.K. database, as this is a separate system. If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. military vet clinic at DSN 314.226.7097 or commercial 011.44.1638.52.7097.

The Gateway Inn has limited designated “pet-friendly” rooms available on a first-come, first served basis for guests traveling with a maximum of two cats or dogs. Book as soon as possible in order to get a pet friendly room. The cost is an additional $10.00 per night, which is not reimbursable. If you have pets and a pet-friendly unit is not available, you will have to make arrangements for your pet to stay in another location while you are housed in a regular TLF room. Local hotels may have pet-friendly rooms available as well. Check with the front desk at lodging for a list. Another option could be to get fully furnished short term let accommodation. Contact the Housing Office at DSN 314.226.2000 or commercial 011.44.1638.52.2000 for more details.

There are various pet boarding facilities available in the immediate area and generally costs about £15 per pet each night. You will want to make arrangements for boarding before you arrive in the U.K. Prior to booking a kennel, check to see if your sponsor will visit the facility to ensure it meets your needs. Below are a few options (no federal endorsement implied):

• Breckland Kennels — 3 The Mount Lynford Road, Mundford, Norfolk; 011.44.1842.87.8301
• Winterbrooke Boarding Kennels — Mill Lane, Hockwold, Norfolk; 011.44.1842.82.9735
• Holiday Homes for Dogs — Third Bridge Farm, Haddenham, Cambridgeshire; 011.44.1353.74.1620
• Pampered Paws/Feline Boarding Cattery — Barrels Road, Thurston, Suffolk; 011.44.1359.23.3033
• 5 Ways Boarding Kennel & Cattery — Tuddenham Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk; 011.44.1638.71.1917
• Parkbreck Boarding Kennels & Cattery — Church Farm Lodge, Kenny Hill, Mildenhall,
• Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk; 011.44.1353.67.5400 Bury St. Edmunds Kennels & Cattery — Rushbrooke Lane,
  Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk; 011.44.1284.76.6992
• Pine Farm Kennels & Cattery — Wilde Street, Beck Row, Suffolk; 01842.86.0432
• Country Club Kennels & Cattery — Qua Lodge Dolver Drove, Soham, Cambridgeshire; 011.44.1353.72.1196
• Cosy Kennels & Cattery — 52 Cambridgeshire Road, Stretham, Cambridgeshire; 011.44.1353.64.9536
• Forest Boarding Kennels & Cattery — Mundford Road, Weeting, Norfolk; 011.44.1842.81.1320
• Fordham Boarding Cattery — 30 Station Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire; 011.44.1638.72.1092
• Kentford Kennels & Kattery – Bury Road, Kentford, Suffolk; 011.44.1638.75.0216 Decoy Kennels & Cattery –
• Decoy Farm, Sedge Fen, Lakenheath, Sufffolk; 011.44.1353.67.5365
• Silverbirch Kennels & Catteries – 9 Oak Lane, Littleport, Cambridgeshire; 011.44.1353.86.3297

Before you decide on a kennel, you will want to do some research. You will also want to ensure you keep the following items in mind:

• Up to date vaccines (check with each kennel for specific vaccine requirements)
• Leave clear instructions and enough supplies of any medications.
• Boarding kennels generally offer their own food, but if you have specific feeding instructions, discuss this with staff.
• Ensure your pet is wearing an identification tag.
• Leave emergency contact information for yourself and your pet’s veterinarian.

Pets are an important part of your family; however, bringing them in and out of the U.K. can be a complicated and costly process. Start the process early and make sure you have a complete understanding of the U.K. rules and regulations. When deciding whether to bring your pet you will want to consider their health. The preparation time to bring a pet to the U.K. is between 1 and 3 months depending on where you are traveling from. In some cases, you may have to ship your pet before or after you arrive in country. This is due to breed and weather restrictions put in place by the airlines.

There could be pets available for adoption in the U.K, however, consider this seriously as Animal Welfare laws in the U.K. are strict and different to what you may have been used to in the U.S. The Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) at RAF Feltwell, DSN 314.226.7097, or commercial 011.44.1638.52.7097, is available to answer your questions and assist you.

Useful Websites

Click here for information about what the UK requires.
Click here for the USDA (who provides the transportation certificate).

Our VTF is located at RAF Feltwell approximately 30 minutes from RAF Mildenhall. The mission of RAF Feltwell Veterinary Services is to provide compassionate and quality veterinary care to optimize the health of our Military Working Dogs and privately owned animals within the U.K while also providing food safety and defense for our installation personnel and their families. This Army unit is the only U.S. military clinic for all of the U.K. All pets MUST be registered with the VTF within 30 days of arrival.

Registration requirements include:

• Pet Registration Packet (includes “No Show Policy and Clinic Policy”)
• Any medical records including immunizations

To ensure you have all required documents, contact the U.S. Army Veterinary Detachment at DSN 314.226.7097 or commercial 011.44.1638.52.7097. Please email usaf.lakenheath.48-mdg.mbx.vet-clinic@mail.mil for a registration packet or for more information.

Moving with your pet includes researching airline requirements and quarantine restriction laws in your new location. Many airlines have requirements for size, weight, breed, number of animals, kennel construction, documentation and seasonal limitations. Small pets may be shipped on military flights, but availability and regulations frequently change. Contact your local Personal Property Office to request specific country instructions. Military OneSource can make your move easier with helpful tips, resources and hands-on information related to moving with pets and more.

• For additional information see Pet Information under the Moving Guide tab on Move.mil.
• Also read the current requirements on the gov.uk site
• Pet Travel FAQs: State Department
• DEFRA website: https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
• Heathrow Animal Reception Center: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/animal-welfare/travelling-with-animals