Guide to Pet Emigration from Japan to the UK: A Complete Explanation of the Necessary Procedures and the Pet Situation in the UK

First: Why are there so many hurdles to pet travel to the UK?

The United Kingdom is one of the world's leadingrabies-free countryIn addition to rabies vaccines and microchipping, dogs and cats must also be exterminated for echinococci. In addition to rabies vaccines and microchipping, dogs must be exterminated for echinococcus.

Also, in terms of aviation, the British government's regulationsPets are not allowed in the passenger cabin and are generally only allowed to be transported in the cargo compartment.point is a major source of concern for owners.

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Rabies-free countries are those with almost no rabies outbreaks, which is why the immigration process is so strict.

On the other hand, if you travel to France or another EU member country first, and then use the Eurotunnel to travel overland to the mainland UK, you may be able to bring your pet in the cabin or treat it as checked baggage, which can greatly reduce the stress on your pet. This article will compare direct cargo flights and the use of Eurotunnel via France, and will explain the conditions and procedures for entry into the UK, as well as thePet Life in the UKThis section explains the key points of the

Basic Rules for Entering the United Kingdom

Microchipping and rabies vaccine

In England,ISO standard microchip (15 digits)is attached to the pet first, and thenrabies vaccine(at least 21 days must elapse after the initial vaccination). Japan is classified as a low-risk country for rabies from the point of view of the United Kingdom,Antibody testing is not requiredHowever, if this vaccination and microchip sequence is not followed, entry will not be granted.

For dogs, within 24-120 hours prior to arrival in the UKechinococcal antivenomis also required to be administered and a record of the administration is to be documented by the veterinarian. Please note that four specific breeds of dogs (pit bull terriers, Tosa dogs, etc.) are prohibited.

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So the order is important! You have to get the microchip first, then the rabies vaccine.

Microchipping and rabies vaccines are discussed in more detail in the following articles.

Export inspection at Japanese animal quarantine station

Before DepartureAnimal Quarantine Service in JapanThe law requires that the pet undergo an export inspection at the If you apply at least 7-10 days prior to departure and visit the quarantine station with your pet on the same day or just before,GB Pet Health Certificate required in the UKYou can have them create a

It is important to coordinate with airline tickets and land travel schedules, as documents become invalid if they do not arrive in the UK within 10 days of issuance.

Prohibited breeds and quarantine risks

In the United Kingdom, there is a law called the Dangerous Dogs Act,specific breed of dog(Pit Bull type, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, and Fira Brasileiro) are prohibited from being brought in. Even a mere similarity in appearance may result in denial of entry.

Also, if you do not meet the required documentation, vaccine and deworming requirementsUp to 4 months of isolationmay be imposed. Be sure to check that you have correctly completed all requirements before entering the UK.

Direct freight forwarding

Why are guest room accompaniments not allowed?

For direct flights to the UK (e.g., to London), many airlines such as JAL, ANA, and British Airways offerNo pets other than assistance dogs are allowed in the guest room.The reason for this is that pets must be carried in the cargo hold. This is because pets must be carried in the cargo hold according to the quarantine regulations of the British government.

This is.Burden on both owner and petThis is the largest factor that increases the

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Assistance dogs are dogs that support people with disabilities, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs. They are distinguished from ordinary pets.

Cargo Transportation Flow

1. Booking with airline (cargo department)
- Declare the type, size, and kennel weight of your pet and confirm the linkage with the flight you plan to take.

2. Procedures at the airport on the day of departure
- Bring proof of export from the quarantine station and deposit your pet at the cargo area.
- An Air Waybill is issued.

3. Go to the animal quarantine facility at your arrival point (e.g., Heathrow Airport)
- After completing the entry procedures for humans, the owner goes to the animal quarantine facility to have his/her documents and microchip verified and pay a fee.
- If everything is OK, the pet can be picked up, but it often takes two to three hours.

Advantages/Disadvantages

– Advantages
- Short flight times due to direct flights and less hassle at transit points.
- The documents are relatively simple with only UK requirements.

– demerit
- The larger the dog or the longer-haired breed, the more expensive the freight (in some cases, more than several hundred thousand yen).
- High stress on pets as they spend a lot of time in the cargo compartment environment.
- It takes a long time to receive the product even after arrival.

I moved to the UK with my large dog and the direct cargo shipping cost me almost $500,000. The procedure was simple, but it was an anxious time considering the burden on my dog.

Using Eurotunnel via France

Can we be accompanied on board the plane when entering France?

On flights to France and other EU member countries,Small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin.(weight limit around 8 kg). Many airlines allow this. Air France and KLM, for example, have a policy that allows passengers to bring in their own baggage in the cabin as long as it weighs 8 kg or less, including the cage.

Large pets are placed in the cargo hold as checked baggage, but since government regulations do not stipulate that they must be treated as cargo only, as is the case in the U.K., they may be checked in as checked baggage, which is easier to reduce the burden on pets than on direct flights to the U.K.

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If you're flying through France, small pets can ride in the cabin with their owners, so it's less stressful for the pet!

Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) to England

When crossing from France to England, either by ferry orEurotunnel (Le Chatel)You can choose either the The Eurotunnel is an undersea railcar system that takes the entire car across the Straits of Dover in about 35 minutes.

Pet cabs allow pets to stay with their owners in the car,No need for a second cargo hold depositThe big attraction is that it is

Dual procedure notes

– EU (France) entry requirements
- Rabies vaccine and microchip are common, but a health certificate (Annex form) for the EU may be required upon arrival in France.

– UK entry requirements (Pet Travel Scheme)
- Again, the dog will be checked to ensure that echinococcal deworming procedures are being performed at the appropriate time.

– Complicated document management
- It is advisable to have the animal quarantine office prepare forms for both the UK and the EU prior to departure from Japan to facilitate the process.

I took my cat with me to London via Paris. It was difficult to prepare documents for both entry into France and the UK, but I was able to bring my cat on board with me. Both the cat and I were able to relax on the Eurotunnel train.

Pets in the UK: licensing, housing, insurance, etc.

Microchip Registration and Collar Tags

In the United Kingdom (England, Wales, and Scotland), dogs are required by law to be microchipped,June 2024It has been announced that cats will also start being obliged to be chipped from Even if your cat has a Japanese chip, it may be illegal if you do not re-register the owner's information in a UK-approved database (such as PetLog), so please be prompt with your procedures upon arrival.

Also when walking dogs in public places,ID tag on collar with owner's name and addressis also required by law (many people add their phone number to their collars).

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Even if you have a microchip in Japan, you will need to re-register it in the authorized database in the UK! Please do not forget this.

Fewer pet-friendly properties, but improving

In rental housingNo Pets.However, recently, the model lease contract has been revised to state that pets are not unconditionally refused, and it is becoming easier to find a pet-friendly property than before. However, recently there has been a move toward "unconditional refusal of pets" in the revision of the model lease agreement, and it is becoming easier to find a place than before.

on major portals such as Zoopla and Rightmove.Pets allowed."Filters are the standard method, but it is not uncommon for it to take time to find a place to live. For long-haired or large dogs, the landlord may require an additional deposit or pet insurance, so negotiation is necessary.

Veterinary Medical Costs and Insurance

Private veterinarians are the norm in the UK, and there is no public insurance like the NHS. Therefore, surgery and long-term treatmentin thousands of poundscosts, and many people purchase pet insurance (e.g., ManyPets and Petplan).

Coverage varies from around £15 to £50 per month,Pets with pre-existing medical conditionsThis makes it easy to increase premiums. In some cases, pet owners may have difficulty paying for emergency expenses if they do not have pet insurance. It is recommended that you find a nearby veterinarian upon arrival and have a plan in place to renew health checkups and vaccines.

When my dog suddenly had an intestinal blockage in England, the surgery alone cost nearly 2,000 pounds (about 400,000 yen). Fortunately, I had insurance, which covered most of the cost, but I realized how difficult it would have been without insurance.

Public Transportation and Pets

Many train and bus routes in the UK allow pets to accompany you as long as they are in a cage. However, in public places, it is basicallywearing a leash (e.g. on a leash)is recommended, and the handling of feces is of course obligatory.

More and more cafes and pubs allow dogs, giving the impression that it is relatively easy to go out with pets even in the city. However, it is essential to be considerate of your surroundings and train your dog if it is a large dog or a pet that tends to bark.

PetAirJPN Support: Safe and Comfortable Pet Travel

Total support by international transportation experts

PetAirJPNis a safe and comfortable way to travel with your pet.Professional know-how and extensive experienceThe company has a We have experience in transporting pets to various countries, including the UK, and keep updated on the latest regulations and airline requirements.

– Pre-departure quarantine procedures on behalf of the clientThe following is a brief overview of the process: smooth documentation and application, and minimize errors.
– Cooperation with Air Mail and Cargo Agents: Selecting the right plan, from direct cargo flights to in-flight accompanied routes via France.
– Local Agent CooperationBilateral procedures, such as booking support for pet cab and Eurotunnel, are also supported in one package.

Together, in every country, all the time." Our vision

PetAirJPN is a website that allows pet owners who consider their pets as important family members toFull support for comfortable living overseas with the latest knowledge and experience in international transportationWe provide the following services. Pre-departure counseling is based on the pet's health and personality, and includes suggestions for safe transportation and troubleshooting after arrival.

Tailored to your pet's breed, age, health status, and purpose of travelCustomized and optimized plansOur strength is to provide

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If you hire a professional company, you will have to worry less about complicated procedures and appointments, and you will be able to travel with your pet much more easily!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I hear that there are more documents to be submitted via France.

A. It is necessary to have both the Animal Quarantine Certificate (Annex Form) for the EU and the GB Pet Health Certificate for the UK, and deworming may need to be re-performed after arrival in France. However, if you hire a professional company such as PetAirJPN, you can rest assured that they will assist you with the procedures.

Q2: Can a large dog be carried on board via France?

A. Generally, large dogs are either carried in the cargo hold or checked baggage. Many airlines allow small dogs and cats (up to about 8 kg) to be carried in the cabin, but in many cases, large dogs will be placed in checked baggage, even via France.

Nevertheless, the costs and procedures tend to be reduced compared to "freight forwarding only" for direct flights to the UK.

Q3: Is it difficult to find a rental property in the UK that allows pets?

A. While it is true that there are still many "No Pets" properties, recent revisions to model lease contracts have made it more difficult to refuse pets. If you do your research early enough, you can find more and more pets-allowed properties, and PetAirJPN can provide advice on what to keep in mind when signing a lease.

Other Q&A can be found at the following URL

Summary: Optimal routing and preparation will ensure peace of mind for both pets and owners.

What about pet travel from Japan to the UK?Direct (freight forwarding)-ist (used after a noun indicating someone's occupation, pursuits, disposition, etc.)Via France (accompanied or checked baggage + Eurotunnel)are the two most common routes to choose. Both require fulfillment of UK entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccine, dog deworming, etc.), and in the case of the French route, EU requirements are added to double the paperwork control.

However, the latter is less burdensome for pets and is a viable option, especially for owners who are concerned about cargo compartment transportation.

Upon arrival in the United KingdomMicrochip registration (registration in the English database)and ... andSearching for pet-friendly properties, ,Veterinary and InsurancePetAirJPN provides total support before and after your trip to realize a future where you can live happily with your pet overseas.

Our experienced staff will keep you updated on the latest regulations and airline rules and propose the best plan for each individual pet and owner, so please feel free to contact us.

Check out PetAirJPN's official website for free counseling and examples of our work in various countries!

Comprehensive guide to moving pets from Japan to overseas - For a safe and comfortable start to life overseas with your family - - PetAir JPN [Official] - Support for pets traveling and moving overseas

Introduction: Current Situation and Challenges of Living Abroad with PetsIt is a well-known fact that the number of Japanese people living abroad is increasing amid globalization in many countries around the world.

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