now bring their pets to the UK : DEFRAThis blog post was updated on 21 April 2022.

The UK government has put emergency support in place for people fleeing Ukraine so that they can now bring their pets to the UK.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued a press release late yesterday, 15 March. Key points:

  • The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is providing quick approvals to expedite the emergency licence process and quarantine arrangements.
  • The government will cover the costs of any necessary stays in quarantine for the pets of those fleeing Ukraine, as well as the costs of microchipping and vaccination.
  • The maximum stay in quarantine for a pet that’s had no rabies vaccination is four months. Any pets that have already received some treatment may have their stay in quarantine reduced.

Before arrival, people leaving the Ukraine (or their carrier or transporter) should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (part of Defra) at pettravel@apha.gov.uk or call +44 3000 200 301 and select option 2. They will then be able to confirm their approval for their emergency licence and organise any stay in quarantine needed to complete the rabies risk management process.

Read the full UK government press release here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/emergency-support-put-in-place-for-ukrainian-nationals-entering-the-uk-with-their-pets

What Animalcouriers is doing to help

See our resources page for Ukranian pet owners.