No matter which country you plan to take your beloved furry baby to settle down in, it is very necessary to make comprehensive preparations in advance.
Before immigrating with a dog or cat, a microchip (AVID and ISO) must be implanted for identification. In addition, pets need to be vaccinated against rabies 21 days before they can immigrate to the UK.
The British government requires that the pet's health certificate must include a chip number and be issued within 5 days for dogs and 10 days for cats to ensure the pet is healthy. A UK pet health certificate signed by a veterinarian and endorsed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is required.
Additionally, the owner needs to bring the pet, vaccination records, and other documents to a Hong Kong veterinary clinic to obtain a pet passport issued by the clinic. Antiparasitic treatment is also required at least 24 hours to 5 days before departure to avoid quarantine upon entry.
Before immigrating, you can send pet supplies and daily necessities to your new home in the UK in advance. Use the Fuuffy international express platform to send items through different couriers with delivery as fast as 4 days! Consult with professional logistics specialists at Fuuffy customer service.
Pets must be transported as freight. After booking a flight, contact the airline to apply for a pet seat. The airline will provide a temporary air waybill number.
Next, contact the airline's customs clearance company at the destination airport to obtain a customs clearance service confirmation number. Use this number to order cargo space from the relevant air cargo company. Finally, apply for a Transfer of Residence (ToR) with the UK’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to avoid VAT charges upon entry.
Pet cages must meet the requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and include water bottles and food bags. It is recommended to place a towel or the owner's clothes in the cage to provide warmth and a familiar scent to reduce the pet's uneasiness during the flight.
Before arriving in the UK, owners must apply for a ToR (Transfer of Residence) from HMRC to prove the pet is immigrating with them and not as goods, helping avoid VAT charges.
British regulations prohibit the immigration of more than 5 pets. Certain dog breeds, including Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, and Tosa, are not allowed to immigrate to the UK.
The final airfare for pets depends on their size, weight, and cage dimensions. Check the airline’s website for more details before booking.
Pets meeting UK government requirements can immigrate without quarantine. However, missing documents, such as a pet passport, may result in quarantine for up to 4 months. Ensure all procedures are completed before departure.
Preparing for pet immigration requires understanding the necessary procedures, documents, and precautions to avoid unexpected issues. Sending personal belongings and pet supplies in advance through Fuuffy’s shipping service can make the process smoother.
Enjoy exclusive discounts when shipping via Fuuffy! Calculated based on 0.5kg, the cheapest shipping fee to UNITED KINGDOM from Hong Kong is only HK $51.
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The tax exemption amounts vary from country to country. As long as you master the secret and keep the value of your items within the designated tax-free amount, you can easily save on customs duties. Fuuffy has compiled tax-free strategies for popular shipping routes to teach you how to save more money!