Traveling with Pets

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) governs the import and export of pets for the U.K. For up-to-date guidance follow the step-by-step pet shipping information at www.gov.uk/bring:pet-to-great-brjtain.

If arriving to Heathrow Airport, also review the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre

(HARC) details: www.citv.oflondon.gov.uk/services/animal-health-welfare/heathrow-animat-reception-centre.

If you need more assistance, email DEFRA at_gettravel@agha.gsi.gov.ukor call 011-44-(0)3 7 0-241-1710.
Consider completed health certificates MUST be endorsed by the U.S. Degartment of Agriculture (USDA) – International Regulations for Animals (if pets are coming from the US).

Once received back, the signing veterinarian may administer tapeworm treatment (dogs only) and add it to the health certificate. This should be documented on the Great Britain health certificate by a veterinarian. If possible use a military veterinary treatment
facility, or a certified USDA civilian veterinarian (if not USDA certified, you must send the Great Britain health certificate to the USDA.)

It’s optional to use a pet shipping company. There are some in the local area that can be hired to help with the shipping process. See members of The International Pet and Animal TransP-ort Association (!PATA).. However, it’s a requirement to use a live animal custom broker, and the HARC has a list of UK agents.

Pets need airline-approved, hard cages with screw-bolt closures, breathing holes on all sides, room to stand up, turn around and lie down, water and food dishes.

Visit International Air TransP-ort Associationfor pet size and kennel requirements. Certain breeds/sizes require custom crates. Ensure connecting flights can handle pet crate size.

For more installation-specific details for registering, boarding and transporting your pet, and veterinarian services visit the MilitarY. Installations site here.

BREED RESTRICTIONS

Check with the airlines to determine guidance related to any restrictions they may have. Per AFI 132-6001, certain breeds (including mixed breeds) are not permitted on base, including lodging:

• Pit Bull (American Staffordshire Bull Terrier or English Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
• Rottweiler
• Doberman Pinscher
• Chow and any wolf hybrids

• Plan: The Travel Management Company (TMC) e.g., CWT Sato Travel, may or may not book pets on flights, depending on contract and local procedures. As of 30 September 2024, American Airlines is the only U.S. flag carrier who flies to the U.K. and can accept checked pets. Codeshare flights (e.g., British Airways codeshared with AA) will not accept checked pets. Contact your local TMO for clarification. If the contracted airline cannot accommodate your pets, arrange pet transportation through a third-party carrier. Use the QiY. Pairs Search Tool to find the airline contracted to fly you to your destination.
• Research airline pet policies and military exceptions by contacting the airline. Tell the airline you are travelling on military orders and you want to check a pet. Write down
  flight numbers and dates with available pet space.
• Request flights with local Passenger Travel Office after confirming the airline can transport your pet. Check with local Transportation Office on TMC required information for booking pets if applicable based on contract and local procedures. Provide pet-friendly flight options to Passenger Travel.
• Confirm Pet Flight: Confirm with airline if itinerary or E-ticket is required to confirm your pets’ reservation. Passenger Travel must be contacted if early ticketing is required.
• Temperature consideration. Airlines will not let pets travel as checked baggage or cargo if it’s too hot or cold on flight day. Have another plan in place (e.g., arrange pet transportation through a third-party carrier).
• Airports and Layovers: If there are layovers in other countries, know each country’s pet regulations before itinerary is ticketed.
• Pre-Arrange Transportation from U.K. Airport to RAF Mildenhall: Pre-arrange pet transport through a pet shipping company or contact 100 FSS Outdoor Recreation (call
  011-44-1638-544283 or DSN 314-238-4283) for assistance.
• Flight Day: Arrive early to pay and check-in pets.

If you live in Base Housing, be aware that you must register dogs and cats with the RAF Feltwell Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) within 30 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 through Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. It is closed on the last business day of each month for inventory. The VTF is an Army facility, so consider the holiday schedule may be different than Air Force facilities.

It is important to realize pet laws are enforced in the U.K. The Animal Welfare Act makes the owner of a pet legally responsible for the care of the 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

In accordance with U.K. law, all pets in the U.K. must be microchipped, and it needs to be a 15-digit microchip. Understand once you arrive in the country, you will need to register your pet’s microchip number with a U.K. company. More information can be found at www.gov.uk/get-Y.our-dog-cat-microchiP-Qed. The U.K. microchip databases CANNOT access U.S. 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 your pet will be slim. 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 £1000.

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

More information can be found at www.gov.uk/caring-for-Qets.

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.

Registering at the RAF Feltwell VTF does not register your pet’s microchip number in a U.K. database, as this is a separate system.