Bringing Your Dog to England: What You Really Need to Know (No Quarantine Required)

We travel full time with our dogs and over the years we have figured out the details of crossing borders together, but getting into the UK seemed overwhelming.

We are originally from California but I started out with easier destinations like Canada, Mexico and the European Union. In most of those places the process is fairly simple. If your dog has a microchip and a valid rabies vaccine you already have the most important pieces in place.

The United Kingdom is a different story. It may be wonderfully dog friendly once you arrive with pub gardens, rolling hills and endless countryside walks. But getting your dog into the country is not simple and the transportation options are limited.

In this post I will clear up the quarantine myth explain the real entry rules and share what travel options actually work. I will also give you a look at what life with a dog in England is really like and how we handled it with Denver.

Will my dog have to go into quarantine in the UK?

When I arrived in England with Denver I was surprised at how often people (even locals) asked if he had to stay in quarantine. It is a common myth but the reality is that your dog enters the country with you as long as you have prepared correctly.

Before 2012 strict quarantine rules were in place and dogs could be held for months before being released. That history is why so many people still believe it is required.

Today the process is much simpler. If your dog has a microchip and a valid rabies vaccine along with the correct paperwork there is no quarantine at all if your pet is not coming from a “high rabies country” which includes all of the EU and USA. Depending on the country you are arriving from you may also need a tapeworm treatment.

The government website is always the best source for the latest information and I recommend checking it before you travel.

Entry Requirements for Dogs Coming Into England

To bring your dog into England you need to meet a few specific requirements

• Microchip Your dog must be microchipped before travel
• Rabies vaccine Must be current and given at least 21 days before entry
• Paperwork
  • If you are traveling from the European Union you can use an EU Pet Passport
  • If you are traveling from the United States you need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an accredited vet
• Tapeworm treatment Required for dogs but not for cats or ferrets. Must be given by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before entry

When we crossed from France we found a vet to handle Denver’s tapeworm treatment the afternoon before our shuttle. The timing was tight since our appointment was at 3pm and the shuttle was at 4pm the next day. The shuttle employee warned us that we should give ourselves more buffer next time.

Always confirm the details on the official government site before you travel.

Flying Into England With a Dog

Now here is where they start to make things waayy more complicated!

If you are hoping to fly directly into England with your dog you should know that in cabin travel is not allowed.

Not even excess baggage is allowed (as is into most of the EU)

Every dog that arrives by plane must go in the cargo hold.

You need to work with an airline or pet shipping company that has been cleared by DEFRA and the costs add up quickly.

Some owners look into private jets. The most convenient of which is Bark Air which offers private style flights for pets. It is a luxury option (8-10K one way for 1 person and 1 pet) and really only makes sense for people with disposable income or in special circumstances such as giant breeds, flat faced dogs, or those with serious health concerns.

Pro Tip: The one piece of good news is that while you cannot fly your dog into England in cabin you can fly them out of the country that way.

Alternatives to Flying Into England With a Dog

If cargo travel is not a good fit there are several other ways to bring your dog into England from either the USA or the EU. Each option has its own advantages and challenges.

Queen Mary 2: The only passenger ship with kennels. Your dog is cared for by staff and you can visit daily. Pro is comfort and safety. Con is limited space and it books far in advance.

Ferries with a car: Available from France Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland. Dogs stay in the car or in onboard kennels depending on the route. Pro is affordability.
Con is that you cannot board as a foot passenger with a dog except one route from the Netherlands to Scotland and another from Ireland to England.

Eurotunnel with a car: Quick and straightforward. Your dog stays in the car with you for the short crossing. Pro is simplicity and comfort. Con is that you must have a car.

Eurotunnel without a car: You cannot walk on with a dog but there are pet shuttle services that make it possible. Pro is that it opens up the tunnel route for non drivers. Con is that you must pay extra for a shuttle company or taxi.

Ireland route workaround: Some people fly in cabin to Ireland then cross to England by ferry. Pro is that it avoids cargo. Con is that it adds time and complexity.
For those heading to Northern Ireland, it’s easy travel by car or train.

When I traveled with Denver I chose booking a pet friendly shuttle that took us through the Eurotunnel from France. It worked well for us since we didn’t have our own car. It was really the only option that made any sense considering time, cost and where we were trying to go in England.

Is England Dog Friendly?

Once you actually get into the country, the answer is yes!
England is a wonderful place to travel with a dog. We have walked through the estate where they filmed Mr Darcy’s house in Pride and Prejudice and Denver was right there with us. That’s just one of hundreds of National Trust locations.

We have also been inside a number of pubs and cafes that welcomed him. Many even have signs outside that let you know if they are dog friendly.

We rode the trains with Denver free in his carrier and found it easy and comfortable (although a little expensive). Being able to move around the country together without needing a car is quite useful though especially if you don’t want to learn how to drive on the opposite side of the road.

It is the law in England that walkers have the right of passage through all kinds of fields and paths. That means you can go for miles through beautiful scenery and know that you are allowed to be there with your dog. Some of the gates even have little doors built in just for dogs which tells you how much the country caters to them.

In our experience once you are there it is not only manageable but a real joy to explore England with a dog.

Final Thoughts: Can I bring my dog to the UK?

Bringing a dog into England can feel complicated but it is possible once you understand the rules and the options. Whether you take the Eurotunnel drive across on a ferry sail on the Queen Mary 2 or try house sitting as an alternative you can make it work. For us the effort was worth it. We walked through historic estates rode the trains and spent evenings in cozy pubs all with Denver by our side. If England is on your list do not let the old quarantine myth or the confusing entry process stop you. With the right preparation you and your dog can enjoy it too.