Bringing pets to Great Britain
Check if you need to follow extra rules
Depending on the type of pet you鈥檙e bringing, you may have to follow extra rules.
You must also follow commercial rules (known as Balai rules) if any of the following apply:
- you鈥檙e going to sell, rehome or transfer the ownership of the animal
- your pet is arriving more than 5 days before or after you arrive
- you鈥檙e bringing more than 5 animals
Non-native species
If your pet is not native to Great Britain, you must follow extra rules for importing non-native animals.
on the GB non-native species secretariat website.
Endangered species
You need to apply for a permit or certificate if you鈥檙e bringing a pet that is an endangered species into Great Britain.
This includes certain reptiles and birds, for example tortoises and parrots.
Dangerous animals
You must apply for a licence to keep some wild, dangerous or exotic pets, for example wild cats, monkeys or apes.
You should get the licence before you bring your pet to Great Britain.