documentation for cat travel

To bring your cat or into (or back into) the UK, it must be accompanied either by an EU pet passport or a third country official veterinary certificate. The passport or certificate must show that your pet has been microchipped (a tattoo is only acceptable in certain circumstances), vaccinated against rabies and if necessary blood tested.

Cats coming from Australia must be accompanied by a certificate showing protection against Hendra disease. Cats coming from the Malaysian Peninsula must be accompanied by a certificate showing protection against Nipah disease.

You are responsible for making sure you have the necessary documentation for your pet to enter the UK. Make sure it is correctly completed and your pet meets all the rules. If your pet does not meet the entry rules, it will not be allowed to enter the UK unless it is licensed into quarantine.

If you are bringing more than 5 cats (or pets) with you to the UK, either from Europe or another country, then you will require additional documentation.

Travelling with more than five pets?

The number of pets that can be moved between EU Member States – including into and out of the UK – is limited to five per person. If there are more than 5 pets moving with an accompanying person, the following rules apply:

The movement of the pets should be as a consequence of the move of the owner – there should be no transfer of ownership involved.
For moves from the UK to another EU Member State: each pet animal will require a specific health certificate issued by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, in addition to having a completed and valid pet passport. Applications for the certificate should be made at least 10 working days prior to the date of travel. The new health certificate is not evidence that your pets meet the Pet Travel Scheme rules.
For moves to the UK from another EU Member State: an official veterinary surgeon in that Member State will supply the health certificate.
Animals entering with this certificate will travel on an approved route and be subject to pet checks at the point of entry.
Couriers may transport more than 5 pets if meeting these conditions.

For more information (including advice on rules for transporting more than 5 animals to non-EU countries) contact: