Relocating to UK
Pet Relocation to the UK: Process, Steps & Costs
Process & Steps
Required steps to bring your pet to UK
Generally, bringing a pet to the UK requires at least 2 months of preparation.
Direct flight to the UK
- Implant an ISO microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- Arrange a Fit to Fly check
- Prepare a suitable IATA-approved crate
- Confirm the flight and pet cargo space
- Confirm the owner's / authorised person's itinerary
- Arrange customs clearance by a UK agent
- Issue the UK animal health certificate
- AFCD endorsement of documents
- Ensure the dog's internal parasite treatment is completed on schedule
Via Europe by Pet Taxi or ferry to the UK
- Implant an ISO microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- Arrange a Fit to Fly check
- Prepare an IATA crate or a suitable soft carrier
- Confirm the flight and pet cargo space
- Book a Pet Taxi or ferry space
- Confirm the owner's / authorised person's itinerary
- Prepare the EU / UK animal health certificate
- AFCD endorsement of documents
- Ensure the dog's internal parasite treatment is completed on schedule
Transport Options
Ways to transport your pet to UK
The available airlines and transport methods for bringing a pet to UK are below.
Direct flight to the UK
Airlines available
Transport method
- Must be transported as Manifest Cargo (official air freight)
- Pets cannot travel in the cabin with passengers
- Pets cannot be checked in as excess baggage
- Booking must be made through the airline's cargo department, an IPATA pet transport agent or an ATA agent
- Pet transport documents must be prepared and handled under the IATA Live Animals Regulations
- On arrival, an agent or customs broker receives the pet at the cargo terminal and handles customs clearance
Via Europe by Pet Taxi or ferry to the UK
Airlines available
Transport method
- Fly from Hong Kong to a designated European city first
- On arrival in Europe, continue to the UK by Pet Taxi or ferry
- Confirm the airline accepts pets on the relevant route
- Book seats for both the pet and the passenger
- Pet transport documents must be prepared and handled under the IATA Live Animals Regulations
- Book the Pet Taxi or ferry space from Europe to the UK
- Notify the relevant local government authority of the pet's arrival arrangements
Cost Reference
Pet Relocation Cost Reference (HKD)
Depending on the required quarantine and vaccination measures, plus an approved IATA-compliant crate for boarding, immigration and travel, typical market prices are:
- ISO Microchip Implantation — from $500
- Rabies Vaccination — from $380
- Adjuvant-free Rabies Vaccine — from $1,200
- Rabies Antibody Blood Test — from $3,500
- Internal Deworming — from $150
- External Deworming — from $300
- International Health Certificate — from $1,000–3,500
- Pet in Cabin — from $2,000
- Pet in Hold / Checked Baggage — from $4,000
- Manifest Cargo — from $15,000
- Pet Crate* — $500–$4,500
- Clearance* — from $3,000
Crate*: quotes do not apply to extra-large breeds, e.g. Dobermanns need a custom-made crate.
Clearance*: depends on the number of pets, airline, clearance agent and whether the pet travels as cargo.
** Procedures may differ by species or breed — please consult our pet relocation consultant first
Free Services
Free professional pet relocation services by Canlife Pets Moving
- Registered veterinary consultation
- Airport counter / cargo check-in
- 24/7 emergency veterinary support
FAQ
FAQs about bringing a pet to UK
How much time do I need to bring a cat or dog from Hong Kong to the UK?
Direct flight to the UK:
- We recommend allowing at least 2 months of preparation — that is a realistic and practical minimum.
- Rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before your pet can enter the UK. You then need time for flight and pet space bookings, the UK Animal Health Certificate (5–10 days before departure), the dog's tapeworm treatment (24–120 hours before arrival), and AFCD endorsement of the documents.
Via Europe by Pet Taxi or ferry to the UK:
- Allow a little longer — usually 2.5–3 months or more for a safer buffer.
- There are more route options into the UK via Europe, but pet spaces and Pet Taxi / ferry spaces can be booked up to six months ahead, so the earlier you lock them in the better — especially in peak season or on specific routes.
How does my pet fly direct to the UK?
As manifest cargo (Manifest Cargo)
- Your pet travels as independent air freight.
- It does not have to be on the same flight as the owner.
- It is usually arranged by the airline's cargo department or a freight forwarder.
- Air freight, customs clearance and the relevant import/export documents must be handled.
- On arrival, the owner normally collects the pet at the cargo terminal or a designated location.
- Suitable for large pets, when the owner is not travelling on the same flight, or when the destination only accepts pets as cargo.
What are the advantages of flying to Europe and continuing by taxi or ferry to the UK?
This route is all about flexibility and the pet's experience — especially suitable if you want to accompany your pet the whole way, or if your pet is not suited to travelling as pure cargo.
Key features:
- Pet in Cabin
- Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin with you the whole way.
- Pet in Hold / as checked baggage — lower cost
- Cheaper and simpler paperwork than manifest cargo.
- Owner can accompany the pet throughout
- Fly Hong Kong → Europe, then continue to the UK by Pet Taxi or ferry, staying with your pet the whole way.
- More route options
- Direct flights have limited pet spaces and more aircraft-type restrictions.
- Via Europe there are more airlines and flight times to choose from, and combined with Pet Taxi or ferry schedules you get much more flexibility.
Questions? Contact us and see how we can help.
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