How do I bring pets from USA to United Kingdom?

Hi there

I've put this question up on our Twitter and Facebook accounts to see if one of our expats has been through this personally.

The short answer is that it is do-able, but they may be subject to quarantine. They will also have to have health certifications and microchips. 

Quite a while ago, someone posted something similar on our forum. There's a good answer to this question about recommendations for good removal companies in Europe, which lists some businesses that specialise in this kind of thing.  

Best of luck,

Xavier.

A friend of mine is in Germany and brought her dog from SC. Is there a way I can put the two of you in touch? My email is farrah at thethreeunder dot com. I'm an expat blogger myself and happy to try and help. (Also from SC :)

Pets brought to the UK from the USA are no longer subject to quarantine, but they must have a valid rabies vaccination, an international microchip, and you have to obtain a USDA-APHIS 7001form (signed by Vet and local USDA office) before departure. You cannot bring a cat or dog in the airline cabin with you directly into any London airport unless it is an assistance animal for which you still need formal permission/pay a fee. If you need to bring a pet with you in the cabin, you'll need to fly to Paris or Brussels and go overland (but not on the EuroStar) via car, van, or car service using the EuroTunnel Shuttle. The UK does not make it easy, but many devoted animal owners have made the trek successfully. Happy to answer questions about this.