Pet Relocation from India to the UK

A Guide to Pet Moving from India to the UK

Are you wondering how to take your beloved pet with you on your upcoming relocation from India to the UK? You must be excited about the opportunity to live in a country like the UK. However, the thought of leaving behind your furry friend and other belongings you are attached to may create stress and anxiety. We at Moving Solutions understand this.

You do not need to worry at all because pet relocation from India to the UK is feasible. Top-notch international packers and movers in India offer their services not only for shipping goods but also for pet relocation from India to other countries. If you are worried about how to select the best pet moving company, we are here to assist you. We will provide you with all the required information about moving pets from India to the UK, including UK-specific regulations and paperwork. Also, we will let you know the step-by-step process to select the best pet moving company in India for pet relocation. In short, we will help you make the transition smooth and tension-free.

Why You Should Hire a Pet Relocation Expert

Moving a pet internationally is more than just booking a flight and packing a crate. It involves many legal and logistical requirements. You need to ensure your pet’s health, arrange for travel in a pet-safe environment, manage paperwork, and meet customs regulations. However, you can make the process easy and smooth by hiring a professional pet moving company. A good pet relocation company handles everything from documentation to transportation, allowing you to focus on other important works and ensuring your pet arrives safely at your destination country.

Steps to Hire the Best Pet Relocation Expert

Booking a reliable pet moving company to send your furry friend from India to abroad can be complicated as you may need to research. If you do not have enough time for research and want to hire the best international moving company for pet relocation from India to the UK, do not worry. Please take the given steps.

# Share your requirements

Fill out our simple and quick quote form with the required details and submit it online. Enter details like your name, mobile number, email ID, current location in India, destination (UK), and your planned moving date. You can also call us to share your pet relocation details. Do not worry about the information you share with us. We will use them to process your request only.

# Get free quotes in a minute

As soon as we receive your query, we will connect you with the top 3 pre-screened international moving companies. The recommended companies will call you to confirm the booking details or schedule an appointment. After that, they will give you detailed quotes.

# Compare and Choose

You have the best quotes from the top 3 pre-screened international relocation companies—all specializing in pet relocation. Thoroughly compare the quotes to select the right service provider. When choosing the service provider, do not focus solely on pricing but also consider other aspects like services offered, transit (shipping) time, insurance coverage, customer reviews, etc. Select the one that best matches your needs and budget.

Regulations for Pet Relocation from India to the UK

Sending dogs and cats in a country like the UK is a complicated process. The United Kingdom has strict regulations for pet import. You will need to be compliant with these regulations if want to export your pet from India to the UK. So, it is essential to get familiarized with the import regulations of the UK so that you do not have to encounter any issues or delays in the process. Let’s have a look at the important rules and regulations for pet import in the UK.

Import Rules for Dogs and Cats in the UK

# Microchipping

• Mandatory Microchipping: All pets, whether dogs or cats, must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO-compliant chip before they can enter the UK. This microchip must be implanted prior to any rabies vaccination to ensure compliance.
• Why Microchipping?: In case your pet goes missing during the move, microchipping ensures that they can be quickly identified and returned to you.

# Rabies Vaccination

• Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies after microchipping. In order to enter the UK, the vaccination should be current and administered at least 21 days prior to travel.
• Rabies Titre Test: While this test is not mandatory for the UK if your pet is coming directly from India, it may be required if you are transiting through a third country. The test ensures that your pet has developed sufficient immunity to rabies.

# Health Certificates

You will need to obtain a health certificate from a certified veterinarian, confirming that your pet is healthy and fit to travel. This certificate should be issued within 10 days of your travel date.

# Tapeworm Treatment (for Dogs Only)

Dogs traveling to the UK must undergo a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet within 1 to 5 days before entering the country. This treatment is not required for cats.

# Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required for pets entering the UK from outside the European Union. This certificate must be issued by an authorized vet and should confirm the microchip number, rabies vaccination status, and any necessary health treatments.

# Pet Passport

While the UK no longer issues new EU pet passports due to Brexit, pets can still enter with a valid pet passport if it was issued before the Brexit transition period.

Choosing the Right Airline for Pet Travel

Choosing the right airline for pet travel from India to the UK is essential because not all airlines accommodate pets. Those airlines that offer pet travel may have specific restrictions on the size, weight, or breed of pets allowed. These airlines usually offer two options for pet travel. They are as follows:

• Accompanied Baggage: This option is the right choice for you if you want to take your beloved pet with you on the same flight you are traveling. In this option, your pet will travel as part of your checked baggage or in the cabin (if small enough or allowed by the airline).
• Manifest Cargo: If you just want to send your pet from India to the UK or you do not want to take your pet along with you on the same flight, this option is for you. In this option, your pet will travel on a separate cargo flight.

Selecting the Right Pet Crate

Choosing the right pet crate is essential because you love your furry friend and do not want to compromise their safety and comfort during the flight. So, you must consider the following factors:

• Size: The very first thing you should keep in mind when selecting a pet crate is the size. Make sure that the crate is large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your pet and consult with the airline or pet relocation company for the correct size.
• Material: Apart from the size of the crate, also consider the durability. Most airlines require crates made of durable. So, make sure that non-collapsible material such as hard plastic. Also, ensure that the crate has proper ventilation and a secure locking mechanism. Consult your mover also.
• Comfort: Also, keep in mind the comfort of the pet in the crate. Make sure that the crate is well-cushioned. To make the journey as comfortable as possible, place absorbent bedding, familiar toys, or a blanket inside the crate. Make sure the crate is labeled with your contact details and your pet’s identification information.

Pet Travel Insurance, Customs Clearance, and Quarantine

Pet Travel Insurance

While not mandatory, purchasing travel insurance for your pet is a smart option. Many pet relocation companies offer insurance plans that cover a variety of unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies during the journey, delays, or even loss. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your pet is protected throughout the move.

Customs Clearance and Quarantine in the UK

One major advantage of relocating your pet to the UK is that there is no mandatory quarantine as long as all health and documentation requirements are met. However, if your pet’s paperwork or health certificates are incomplete, your pet may face quarantine upon arrival.

A customs clearance agent can expedite the entry process and ensure that your pet’s documents are processed smoothly. If you choose to work with a pet relocation expert, they will often coordinate with customs agents on your behalf to minimize complications.

How to Prepare Your Pet for the Journey

It’s important to start preparing your pet for the move well in advance. Follow these tips to ensure a stress-free experience:

Acclimatize Your Pet to the Crate: A few weeks before the journey, allow your pet to get used to their travel crate. Let them sleep and eat inside the crate so that they associate it with comfort and safety.

Exercise Before the Flight: On the day of travel, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise to reduce anxiety and restlessness during the flight.

Feed Lightly: Avoid giving your pet a large meal before travel. A light meal a few hours before the flight will help prevent nausea during transit.

Vaccination and Health Requirements

Keeping your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date is crucial when relocating to the UK. The following vaccines are commonly required or recommended:

Dogs: Rabies vaccination (mandatory). DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccine, Leptospirosis (optional but recommended)

Cats: Rabies vaccination (mandatory). Tri-feline vaccine (covers Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Herpesvirus)

It is essential to keep records of all vaccinations and ensure they are administered within the required timeframes. Any lapse in vaccination history can lead to delays or additional health checks.