Who can bring a pet?
This page covers Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate process. The pet must meet the non-EU country rules and travel on a route approved for pets. Check any restricted dog breed and whether the move is a personal pet movement or a commercial/ownership-transfer case.
Microchip
Microchip the pet before, or at the same time as, its rabies vaccination. If the chip is implanted later, the rabies vaccination must be repeated. The chip number must match the vaccination record, blood-test record and Great Britain health certificate.
Rabies vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination is required. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old when given its first dose, and normally wait at least 21 full days after the primary course before travel. The vaccine’s own minimum onset period can require a longer wait.
Rabies titre test
Because Indonesia is not on Great Britain’s listed-country exemption, the pet needs a rabies blood test. Sample at least 30 days after vaccination, use a laboratory approved for the scheme and achieve at least 0.5 IU/ml. Wait three months from the sample date before entry; keep boosters valid.
Import permit
For a personal dog or cat, the standard process is based on an approved route and a Great Britain pet health certificate rather than a general import permit. Ownership transfer, sale, more than five pets or arrival separated from the owner by more than five days can trigger additional rules.
Government documents
Travel with the correct Great Britain pet health certificate issued by an official veterinarian, microchip details, rabies vaccination and test records, and the required declaration. The certificate must be completed within its permitted window. Dogs also need tapeworm treatment recorded 24 hours to five days before arrival unless an exception applies. Separately, when a pet actually leaves Indonesia, Barantin asks the sender to report the export through PTK Online and provide destination-required veterinary documents, vaccination records and, for dogs and cats, a protective rabies titre result. The pet is then presented at a designated exit point for quarantine inspection; an Animal Health Certificate is issued if requirements are met. If the final export is from a third country, use that country’s export certificate instead.
Quarantine and arrival inspection
A compliant pet does not normally enter quarantine. If it fails the pet-travel rules, authorities may require quarantine for up to four months, return or refusal, at the owner’s expense. The airline can reject the pet before departure if certificates or timing do not comply.
Airline requirements
Use a route and carrier approved for pet travel to Great Britain. Confirm how the pet will be checked at departure and arrival, the cargo terminal, live-animal booking and document inspection. Do not confuse Great Britain’s route rules with those for Northern Ireland.
Travel crate
Follow the airline’s live-animal and IATA crate conditions for the exact aircraft. The pet should be able to stand, turn and lie down naturally. Have the carrier approve the crate, water arrangements and transfer plan before the travel certificate is finalized.
Timeline
Allow at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine before titre sampling, then three months from the sample to entry, plus the primary vaccine wait, certificate window, dog tapeworm timing and approved-route booking. In practice, start at least five months ahead if a new vaccine course is needed.
Cost factors
Budget for microchip and vaccination, titre laboratory work, official health certificate, government endorsement, dog tapeworm treatment, cargo fare, crate and airport handling. Quarantine, return or rebooking costs can be significant if documents, route or dates fail the rules.
Frequently asked questions
Does an Indonesian pet need a rabies titre test for Great Britain?
Yes. Indonesia is not on the listed-country exemption. The sample is taken at least 30 days after vaccination, must meet 0.5 IU/ml, and entry follows three months after sampling.
How close to arrival must a dog receive tapeworm treatment?
The treatment must be recorded no less than 24 hours and no more than five days before arrival, unless the dog qualifies for a listed exception.
Do these rules cover Northern Ireland?
No. This page covers England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate pet-travel guidance.
Official sources
Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.
- GOV.UK: Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
- GOV.UK: Rabies blood tests
- GOV.UK: Rabies vaccination and boosters
- GOV.UK: Pet travel document
- Barantin: Export procedures for animals
- Barantin: Taking a dog or cat overseas (23 July 2026)
- IATA: Live animal transport and container requirements
- AVMA: Traveling with your dog or cat