The UK has a Pet Passport Scheme, under which dogs and cats from specific countries are allowed to enter without quarantine, provided they meet specified anti-rabies, blood sampling and anti-worm/anti-tick hygiene requirements. The pet must be micro-chipped, vaccinated against rabies and blood tested. They can be brought into the UK only after six months have elapsed after a satisfactory blood test. Three airlines (British Midland, Finnair and Lufthansa) and a number of ferry lines, are currently authorised to bring non-quarantined animals into the UK.

The DEFRA website (http://www.defra.gov.uk) provides details of countries covered by the Pet passport scheme, and the procedures for bringing a pet to the UK under this scheme.

Other types of animals, and dogs and cats from countries not covered by the Scheme, have to be put into quarantine for six months, although they might be released early if certain conditions are met. Any illegally imported animal may be destroyed.