Quarantine & Travel

Hi Everyone

I apologize if this was a thread already started but I could not find it

Is anyone familiar with hold policies or quarantine policies in moving with a pet overseas?

We may after the first of the year be moving over to the united kingdom to be with hubbys family and we definately want to take both babies.

My question is, is anyone have any experience with quarantine policies , what documentation I need to show etc? Just trying to figure out whether or not it is actually possible to take the babies. Hubby says they might require a 6 month quarantine once arriving in the UK?
 

I'm pretty sure it varies between counties, depending on where you are going and where for are coming from. I used to live in Korea and I had friends who adopted pets over there and brought them home with them when they moved back, and the quarantine length changed depending on which country they were entering. If you look on the airport website there might be some information there on Q & A. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful  

The UK has more stringent rules than almost any other country. Only a few years ago you could not take any animal into Britain without 6 months' quarantine in approved kennels/catteries in the UK. Now, even from mainland Europe the pet has to wait six months from the date of vaccination and a verifying blood test before being allowed entry. However they are gradually changing the requirements, so you need to get up to date information. You can learn the rules on the DEFRA UK website which lists all countries. Or your Airline can tell you. But it can take months so do not expect just to be able to get some paperwork together - there is no way you will get through.

So far what I am seeign on the UK site is, from the US a pet does not require quarantine - but does require proof of rabies vaccine and certified pet health certificate from the vet and a pet passport- it also has to be microchipped.

We moved our two cats to Japan from the US - what a pain!  I would suggest that you start the process as soon as possible.  Also, you should have a backup plan for where to keep the cats if you have to move before the quarantine period can be completed, if they have a quarantine.  The regulations HAVE gotten a lot easier, but it is still a confusing and frustrating process.  When we finally got to bring our cats to live with us, we almost missed the plane due to the USDA paperwork changing versions a few days before.  We had to get all new paperwork, fill it out, race it back to our vet, have HIM fill it out again, and then race back to the USDA before they closed - made it by 2 minutes, literally!

Good luck - keep us informed!