International Pet Flight Services From India to the United Kingdom (U.K.)

Traveling to the United Kingdom with your pet requires some extra preparation due to the country’s strict rules for pet entry. If you’re planning to take your furry friend along, staying informed about the regulations and ensuring all necessary steps are completed will make the process smoother. This guide covers what you need to know when planning to relocate with your pet to the U.K.

International Pet Flight Service Providers 

The U.K is a hub for international pet travel, with plenty of pets being flown to and from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Edinburgh airport. 

Here are the most popular airlines for pet travel to the UK: 

• Air India 
• Qatar Airways
• Emirates 
• Etihad 
• Lufthansa 
• Air France

Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must have a microchip before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. This microchip contains a Unique Identification Number (UIN) linked to the national pet database, which stores contact information and your pet’s medical records. Pet Microchips are standardized, and the ISO 11784/11785 compliant chips are accepted in all countries as a form of identification for your pet. Make sure the microchip is implanted at the right time; otherwise, you’ll need to repeat the rabies vaccination.

Updated Vaccination Records

Your pet’s vaccination record should include:

• Date of birth
• Microchip number and installation date
• Microchip location on the pet’s body
• Vaccination date, vaccine manufacturer, product name (with sticker), and batch number
• Vaccine manufacture and expiry dates
• Vet’s signature
• Your contact details

Export and Health Certification

You will require an international health certificate, as well as an animal health certificate for international pet travel to the U.K. this certificate is completed and signed by an authorized veterinarian, and contains an alpha-numeric code, details of vaccination, and treatment against tapeworm. 

You will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) in India before you can embark on international travel with your pet.

Rabies Titer Test

The Rabies Titer Test checks if your pet has enough antibodies from the rabies vaccine. After the rabies vaccination, wait at least 30 days before taking a blood sample for this test. The sample must go to an EU-approved lab. You’ll need to wait three months after the blood sample date to travel. To pass, your pet’s rabies antibody level should be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test results remain valid provided the rabies vaccinations stay up to date.

Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs

If you’re traveling with a dog, tapeworm treatment is required. This must be done 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before entering Great Britain. The treatment should include Praziquantel or a similar product effective against the Echinococcus Multilocularis tapeworm. Without this, your dog may face quarantine or entry refusal.

Pet Quarantine

Quarantine can last up to four months if U.K. travel rules aren’t fully followed. This measure helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases to other animals or humans. The U.K reserves the right to prescribe animal quarantine against any imported animal which does not meet the import criteria or has incomplete documentation. Your pet may be quarantined or returned to the exporting country at your expense if documentation is not complete. The quarantine can last from 30 days to 4 months, depending on the disease-specific protocol, so make sure to get all the relevant test results before your departure. 

Choosing the Right Crate

Your pet must travel in a government and airline-approved IATA crate of the right size. Get your pet used to the crate ahead of time and prepare it with essentials for a comfortable journey. An IATA accredited pet crate is designed specifically to keep your pet safe during their journey. 

Hiring Pet Relocation Experts

The process can feel overwhelming, but international pet relocation services can help. These specialists handle paperwork, pet preparation, and other steps involved. Look for a service provider in India with experience in pet transport to England. With professional help, pet relocation to the U.K. can be smooth and enjoyable for both you and your pet.