- Refugees fleeing Ukraine can bring pets with them when coming
to the UK
- Animal and Plant Health Agency providing quick approvals to
expedite emergency licence process
- Government covering the costs of any necessary stays in
quarantine for the pets of Ukrainian nationals
The Government has today put in place new emergency support for
those fleeing Ukraine with their pets. Using an emergency
licence, Ukrainian nationals can bring their pets to the UK with
any quarantine costs met by the Government.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency is providing quick license
approvals and quarantine arrangements to avoid creating
additional burdens or delays. The Government will also be
covering their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs,
recognising that many Ukrainian individuals will not have been
able to complete the full health preparations required for their
pet on arrival.
The maximum stay in quarantine for a pet which has received no
rabies vaccination is four months. Pets will be considered on a
case by case basis, with a shortened quarantine period for those
that are vaccinated. We are working with vets and quarantine
facilities to make sure that the arrival of Ukrainians in the UK
is not delayed by the process to make arrangements for their
pets.
Animal Welfare Minister said:
Ukrainian nationals are in an appalling situation. I’m pleased
that Ukrainian refugees will be able to bring their pets to the
UK with any quarantine costs paid for by the Government.
As part of our new streamlined process, any animals which have
already received some treatment may also have their stay in
quarantine reduced and be returned back to their owner as soon as
possible
Before arrival, Ukrainian nationals or their carrier should
contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at
pettravel@apha.gov.uk or call +44 3000 200 301 option 2. They
will then be able to confirm their approval for their emergency
licence and organise any necessary stay in quarantine which is
required to complete the rabies risk management process.
There is a limited amount of quarantine facilities in the UK and
we will prioritise those fleeing Ukraine who wish to bring their
pets with them, rather than animals being brought over on a
commercial basis, including rescue imports. Commercial imports,
including rescue imports must follow the
usual process for pets travelling from unlisted countries.
