Updated for 2026 with post-Brexit pet travel rules, approved route changes, and current entry requirements.

Traveling to the UK With Your Dog: 2026 Rules

The United Kingdom is one of the trickier destinations for traveling with a dog. Since Brexit, the rules have changed, and the UK now operates its own pet travel scheme separate from the EU system. The country’s strict quarantine history (which lasted until 2000) means regulations are taken seriously, and there is very little flexibility in how they are applied.

But difficult does not mean impossible. When my husband and I brought our Springer Spaniel, Biscuit, from the US to London for a three-week trip through England, Scotland, and Wales, the preparation was intense but the payoff was incredible. The UK is genuinely one of the most dog-friendly countries we have ever visited. Once you get through the entry requirements, the rest is pure joy.

Understanding the UK’s Pet Travel Rules (Post-Brexit)

Since the UK left the EU on January 1, 2021, pet travel rules have been governed by the UK’s own Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The system is similar to the EU Pet Travel Scheme but with some important differences.

Entry Requirements

Requirement	Details	Timeline
Microchip	ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit	Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination	At least 21 days before entry	Get it at least 30 days before travel
Tapeworm treatment	Treatment with praziquantel 1-5 days before UK entry	Must be administered by a vet and recorded
Health certificate (AHC)	Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian	Within 10 days of travel
Enter via approved route	Must arrive on an approved transport company at an approved port/airport	No exceptions

The Critical Difference: No EU Pet Passport for UK Entry

If you have an EU Pet Passport, it is not valid for entering the UK from a non-EU country. You need a specific UK Animal Health Certificate (AHC). If you are traveling from the EU to the UK, your EU Pet Passport is accepted, but the tapeworm treatment must still be done 1-5 days before entry and recorded in the passport.

For travelers coming from the US, you need a USDA-endorsed health certificate plus the UK-specific requirements.

Tapeworm Treatment: Do Not Miss This

The tapeworm treatment requirement is one of the most commonly missed steps. Your dog must be treated with a product containing praziquantel (such as Droncit or Drontal) by a licensed veterinarian no fewer than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before arrival in the UK.

The treatment must be recorded with:

• Date and time of treatment
• Name of the product
• Name and address of the administering vet

If you miss this window, your dog will be refused entry or placed in quarantine.

Breed Restrictions: This Is Serious

The UK has one of the strictest breed-specific legislation systems in the world under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The following breeds are banned in the UK:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

This is not a registration or muzzle requirement. These breeds are illegal in the UK. Dogs that appear to be of these types, even mixed breeds, can be seized by police. If your dog has any physical resemblance to these breeds, think very carefully before traveling to the UK. Authorities go by appearance, not DNA tests or breed registration papers.

XL Bully ban (2024 onward): As of February 2024, XL Bully type dogs are also banned in the UK. Existing registered and neutered XL Bullies may be kept under strict conditions, but you cannot bring one into the country.

Approved Routes Into the UK

You cannot simply arrive at any UK port or airport with your dog. Pets must enter via approved routes on approved transport companies.

Approved Airports

• London Heathrow (most international flights)
• London Gatwick (limited)
• Edinburgh
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Glasgow
• East Midlands
• Leeds Bradford

Approved Ferry/Channel Tunnel Routes

• Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Calais to Folkestone) - the most popular choice for those driving from Europe
• Various ferry companies from France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland

Airlines That Fly Pets to the UK

Important: Most major airlines do not allow pets in the cabin on flights to the UK. Pets must travel as manifest cargo with an approved pet transport company or in the airline’s cargo hold.

Option	Details
British Airways	No pets in cabin (except assistance dogs). Pets transported via IAG Cargo as manifest cargo.
Virgin Atlantic	No pets in cabin or cargo. Does not transport pets at all.
United Airlines	PetSafe cargo program available on some UK routes
American Airlines	Cargo transport available on select routes
Pet transport companies	Companies like PetRelocation, AirAnimal, and PBS Pet Travel specialize in UK pet imports

For most US-based travelers, working with a pet transport company is the easiest option. They handle the crate, the flight booking, the customs clearance, and the approved route requirements. Costs range from $2,000-5,000 depending on dog size and origin city.

If your dog is small enough for in-cabin travel, consider flying to Paris or Amsterdam first, then taking the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle car service to the UK. This requires renting a car but avoids the UK cargo-only flight restriction.

What Happens When You Arrive

When you arrive in the UK, your dog will be inspected by an Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) officer or a Border Force officer. The process involves:

1. Document check (health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation)
2. Microchip scan to verify identity
3. Verification of tapeworm treatment timing
4. Visual health assessment

If everything is in order, your dog is released to you. The inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes at Heathrow. At the Eurotunnel terminal, it can be as quick as 15 minutes.

If there are problems, your dog may be held in quarantine at an approved facility. UK quarantine is costly (approximately 15-20 GBP per day) and lasts until the issue is resolved or for a maximum of 4 months.

Dog-Friendly UK: Where to Go

Once your dog is through customs, the UK is a paradise. The British love their dogs fiercely, and the infrastructure reflects it.

London

London has over 3,000 parks and green spaces, many of which have off-leash areas for dogs.

Top dog-friendly spots:

• Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: 350 acres in central London. Dogs allowed off-leash in designated areas. The Serpentine lake has a dog swimming section.
• Hampstead Heath: 790 acres of rolling hills, woodland, and ponds. The mixed bathing pond allows dogs, and the heath has extensive off-leash areas.
• Richmond Park: 2,500 acres of deer park, meadows, and woodland. Dogs must be under control near deer but can be off-leash in many areas.
• Regent’s Park: Beautiful formal gardens and open spaces. Dogs on leash in garden areas, off-leash in the hub area.
• Victoria Park (East London): Two large dog-exercise areas, a lake, and a cafe with outdoor seating.

Dog-friendly pubs: The British pub is arguably the most dog-friendly dining establishment in the world. The vast majority of traditional pubs welcome dogs, especially in the bar area (as opposed to the restaurant area). Many have water bowls, dog treats behind the bar, and regular canine visitors. Pubs with “dog-friendly” listings on their doors are everywhere.

London transport: Dogs travel free on all Transport for London services (Tube, buses, Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line). They must be on a leash on escalators and in stations. Small dogs can be carried.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of England, is one of the best destinations in the UK for dogs. Rolling hills, stone-walled fields, honey-colored villages, and an extensive public footpath network make it ideal.

• Walking: England’s Right to Roam laws and extensive footpath network mean thousands of miles of walking trails. The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile national trail that runs from Chipping Campden to Bath. Dogs are welcome throughout.
• Pubs: Cotswold pubs are legendary. Nearly all welcome dogs. Many have log fires, real ales, and Sunday roasts.
• Villages: Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, and Broadway are all wonderful to explore on foot with a dog.

The Lake District

England’s Lake District National Park is a dog paradise. Dramatic fells, crystal-clear lakes, and quaint villages connected by walking trails.

• Hiking: Dogs are welcome on all Lake District fells and most trails. Keep dogs on leash near livestock (this is law in England).
• Lake swimming: Many lakes allow dogs to swim. Derwentwater and Ullswater are particularly popular.
• Accommodation: Abundant pet-friendly B&Bs, holiday cottages, and hotels. The Lake District is one of the most pet-friendly accommodation regions in all of Europe.

Scotland

Scotland is extraordinarily dog-friendly, with the Right to Roam giving you access to nearly all land (with responsible behavior).

• Edinburgh: Dog-friendly pubs, extensive parks (Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park), and a walkable city center.
• Scottish Highlands: Vast wilderness, mountain hiking, beaches, and castles. Many Highland estates welcome dogs.
• Isle of Skye: Dramatic landscapes accessible with a dog. Most trails and outdoor attractions are dog-friendly.

Wales

Wales has a coastline of 870 miles, much of it accessible via the Wales Coast Path, which is dog-friendly.

• Snowdonia National Park: Mountain hiking with your dog. Dogs welcome on most trails.
• Pembrokeshire Coast: Stunning cliff walks and beaches, many dog-friendly year-round.
• Brecon Beacons: Waterfalls, mountains, and rolling countryside. Dogs on leash near livestock.

Cornwall

Cornwall’s beaches, coastal paths, and fishing villages are a classic British dog holiday destination.

• Beaches: Many Cornish beaches allow dogs year-round, though popular beaches may restrict dogs from May to September. Out of season, you often have the beach to yourself.
• South West Coast Path: England’s longest national trail runs through Cornwall. Dogs on leash.
• Accommodation: Cornwall has more pet-friendly holiday cottages per square mile than almost anywhere in the UK.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in the UK

The UK accommodation sector caters to dog owners better than almost any country in the world.

Hotels

• Premier Inn: The UK’s largest hotel chain allows one dog per room for 20 GBP per stay at many locations
• Travelodge: Select locations allow dogs for a small fee
• Boutique hotels: Many independent and boutique hotels welcome dogs. Check sites like DogFriendly.co.uk for verified listings
• Luxury options: The Pig Hotels chain, Soho Farmhouse, and many country house hotels offer premium dog-friendly stays with amenities like dog beds, treats, and walking maps

Holiday Cottages

Self-catering holiday cottages are the UK’s strongest pet-friendly accommodation category. Platforms include:

• Canine Cottages: Specialist platform for dog-friendly holiday homes
• Sykes Holiday Cottages: Large selection with pet-friendly filter
• National Trust Cottages: Historic properties, many pet-friendly
• Airbnb: Extensive UK listings with pet-friendly options

Camping and Glamping

Most UK campsites accept dogs. Glamping sites (yurts, shepherd’s huts, bell tents) frequently welcome them too.

Practical Tips

Weather

The UK’s weather is famously unpredictable. Pack a waterproof dog coat, carry towels in your car, and bring a microfiber drying mitt. Rain is common in every season.

Livestock

This is critical. The UK has strict laws about dogs near livestock. Dogs must be kept under close control (on leash) in fields with sheep, cattle, or other farm animals. Farmers have the legal right to shoot dogs that are worrying livestock. This is enforced and taken very seriously.

Dog Waste

The UK has some of the strictest dog waste laws in Europe. Fines for not picking up after your dog can reach 1,000 GBP. Always carry bags.

Pub Etiquette

• Dogs are typically welcome in the bar area, not the restaurant area
• Ask before entering, a quick “is it okay to bring the dog in?” is appreciated
• Bring a towel if your dog is wet or muddy
• Keep your dog under the table or beside you, not wandering
• Most pubs have water bowls available

Returning Home

If you are returning to the US from the UK, there are currently no special requirements for bringing a dog back. The US requires a rabies vaccination certificate for dogs entering from most countries, which you should already have from the entry process.

If continuing to EU countries from the UK, you will need the UK-issued Animal Health Certificate to re-enter the EU.

Cost Summary

Item	Cost
Rabies vaccination	$25-50 (if not already current)
Tapeworm treatment	$20-40
USDA health certificate and endorsement	$100-200 total
Pet transport company (if used)	$2,000-5,000
Airline cargo fee (if applicable)	$200-800
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (car + dog)	100-200 GBP per crossing
UK accommodation pet fees	0-25 GBP per night

Final Thoughts

The UK’s entry requirements are demanding, but the reward is access to one of the most genuinely dog-loving countries on the planet. Biscuit was welcomed in pubs, on hiking trails, at B&Bs, in shops, and on public transport. He swam in Lake District lakes, explored Scottish castles, and sat beside us at a pub fire in the Cotswolds while we ate fish and chips.

The preparation is worth it. Start early, follow every step precisely, and you will have an unforgettable trip.

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