Bringing a dog from Canada to the UK: rules 2026

Prepared by the Animals Productions editorial team. See about us and our editorial standards.

Taking a dog from Canada to the UK is manageable — Canada is on the UK's approved country list, so no titer test is required. The main extra step for dogs is the tapeworm treatment given 1–5 days before entry.

Destination requirements

1. Microchip — before the rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies vaccination — wait ≥21 days after the first vaccination. (Minimum vaccination age 12 weeks — verify on gov.uk.)
3. Titer test — ONLY if travelling from a country that is NOT in the EU AND NOT “listed”. Blood ≥30 days after vaccination, ≥0.5 IU/ml; then wait 3 months from the blood-draw date to travel.
4. Document (depends on origin): from the EU — EU pet passport, a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC), or a Great Britain pet health certificate. From a “listed” country (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) — usually a Great Britain pet health certificate. From “not listed” — GB pet health certificate + titer test.
5. Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) — by a vet each entry; window not less than 24 h and not more than 120 h (1–5 days) before arrival; praziquantel. Not required from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Norway. Cats don’t need it.
6. Breeds — banned types cannot be imported without a Certificate of Exemption: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, XL Bully (verify the current list on gov.uk).
7. Quarantine — up to 4 months if the rules are not met.
8. Cabin / cargo — pets must travel by an approved route, by air usually as manifested cargo; cabin into GB is generally not allowed (except special conditions for assistance dogs).

Official sources

• GOV.UK — Bring your pet to Great Britain ↗
• GOV.UK — Which pet travel document ↗
• GOV.UK — Rabies blood tests ↗
• GOV.UK — Tapeworm treatment for dogs ↗

FAQ

Do I need a titer test to bring a dog from Canada to the UK?

No. Canada is on the UK's approved country list, so no titer test is required.

What is the tapeworm treatment requirement for dogs entering the UK from Canada?

Dogs must receive a Praziquantel tapeworm treatment, administered by a vet 1–5 days before entry into the UK. It must be documented in the official AHC.

How do I get the official AHC for Canada?

A Canadian vet issues the AHC, which must then be endorsed by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency). Allow several days for the CFIA endorsement.

Is there quarantine for dogs from Canada in the UK?

No quarantine for compliant pets.

Related

We provide information only and do not offer relocation services. Rules change — always confirm with the official source above.