Taking your dog or cat to the UK from the USA: 2026 rules
Last updated: September 6, 2026: verified against official sources (European Commission, USDA APHIS, UK GOV.UK, US CDC).
The UK keeps the tapeworm rule for dogs and the 10-day window on the Animal Health Certificate.
The UK left the EU pet travel scheme, so it has its own rules. On top of the standard rabies and microchip requirements, dogs need a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival, and you must travel on an approved route with an authorized carrier. The UK also bans several dog breeds outright: check before you book anything.
The 5 steps
- Microchip (ISO): Implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination ≥ 21 days: Valid rabies vaccine at least 21 days before arrival in the UK.
- Tapeworm treatment 24-120h before arrival (dogs only): Echinococcus treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before you enter the UK. Cats are exempt.
- GB Animal Health Certificate ≤ 10 days: An AHC issued no more than 10 days before entry, by an APHA-endorsed veterinarian if traveling from the USA, or by any official veterinarian if traveling from the EU.
- Use an approved route & carrier: The UK requires pets to travel with an authorized transporter on an approved route. Most major airlines are listed; verify yours.
UK Dog Country Pack (PDF, $12) → UK Cat Country Pack (PDF, $12) →
Frequently asked questions
Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?
The UK bans Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro (plus XL Bully since 2024). Banned breeds cannot enter, even in transit.
Can my cat skip the tapeworm treatment?
Yes, the tapeworm requirement applies to dogs only.
How long is the AHC valid?
The GB Animal Health Certificate is valid for 10 days from issue to entry, and covers travel onward inside the EU and re-entry to Great Britain for 6 months from issue.
Go deeper: AHC explained · Tapeworm rule · Banned breeds
Official sources
- European Commission, pet movement: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets_en
- USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
- US CDC dog import: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.html
- UK GOV.UK: gov.uk/take-pet-abroad