Taking Your Dog From the US to the UK

Approved routes, USDA-endorsed certificate, tapeworm timing.

DogsUS → UKApproved routes

Bringing a dog from the US into Great Britain adds two wrinkles on top of the usual microchip-and-rabies sequence: your dog must enter on an approved route (often as manifested air cargo), and there's a strict tapeworm treatment window before arrival. The USA is a listed country, so there's no titer test. This guide lays out the full order; SerendiLoop dates each step to your travel day and tracks your documents.

The checklist, step by step

ISO microchip

🗓 As early as possible — before the rabies shot

An ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.

Rabies vaccination

🗓 At least 21 days before travel

Rabies vaccination given after the microchip; wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.

GB health certificate (USDA-endorsed)

🗓 Issued within 10 days of arrival

A Great Britain health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS, issued within 10 days of arrival.

Tapeworm treatment

🗓 24–120 hours before arrival

A vet must record tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours (1–5 days) before your dog arrives in Great Britain.

Approved route / transport

🗓 Confirm well ahead of travel

Enter GB on an approved route with an approved transport company; most dogs from the US travel as manifested air cargo. Confirm your airline and route are approved.

CDC Dog Import Form (for the return)

🗓 Arrange before you fly back

Submit the CDC Dog Import Form online before returning and carry the receipt; a US-vaccinated dog also needs the Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form.

Good to know

The USA is a listed country, so no titer test is required. Because most US dogs travel as manifested cargo, book the route early — approved-transport slots can be limited. Banned breed types cannot be brought into Great Britain.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog fly in the cabin to the UK?Great Britain requires dogs to enter on an approved route, and most US carriers move them as manifested air cargo rather than in the cabin. Check your specific airline and route, as policies vary.

Does my dog need a titer test to enter the UK from the US?No. The United States is a listed country, so no rabies titer blood test is required — a valid rabies vaccination with the 21-day wait is sufficient.

Official sources

Get this as a dated plan for your trip

SerendiLoop turns this checklist into exact dates tied to your travel day, stores your dog's documents, and reminds you before anything expires.

Build your plan — free to start

This guide is for general information and is kept in step with official sources, but requirements change and can vary by case. Always confirm the current rules with the official authority for your route before you travel.

Other route guides

Taking Your Dog From the US to the EU Taking Your Dog From the UK to the EU Bringing Your Dog From the EU to the UK Taking Your Dog From the US to Canada Taking Your Dog From the US to Australia Taking Your Dog From the US to Japan Bringing Your Dog From the EU to the US Bringing Your Dog From Canada to the US Flying With Your Dog: Cabin, Cargo & Crate Rules All guides