Moving to the UK with a Pet 2026: Veterinary and Legal Checklist

Moving to the UK with a Pet: A Complete Veterinary Checklist

Relocating your furry family members is a complex process involving multiple government agencies, including the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) and the VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate).

Step 1: Documentation and Microchipping

Before you travel, your pet must be microchipped. In the UK, it is a legal requirement for dogs, and 1.5 million cats are currently being urged to catch up with new regulations.

• Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered after microchipping.
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC): If traveling from the EU, you need an AHC issued within 10 days of travel.

Step 2: Finding a "Certified" Vet

Not every clinic can handle international travel paperwork. You need an Official Veterinarian (OV).

• Groups like Linnaeus and Medivet have dedicated certifiers across their networks.
• Specialist practices like AmiVet Exports provide nationwide coverage for complex moves.

Step 3: Registering with a Local Practice

Once you arrive, use FairFetch to find a vet near me. Look for practices that offer "New Client Offers" to help reduce the initial cost of your first UK health check.