The UK government has issued new guidance on how long a pet (dog, cat or ferret) must wait for its rabies vaccination to become valid before entering or returning to Great Britain (GB). GB countries are England, Wales and Scotland.

Since 1 December 2025, the waiting period after a pet’s rabies vaccination before they can enter GB has become more specific. Previously, the waiting period was assumed to be 21 days for all vaccine brands. Now, however, it depends on the ‘onset of immunity’ period stated in the vaccine manufacturer’s official datasheet.

What is the minimum waiting period?

The minimum waiting period is 21 days after the primary vaccination (day 1 is the day after the vaccination was given). If the primary course consists of more than one dose, the 21-day waiting period starts the day after the final dose. Check (or ask your vet to check) the manufacturer’s official datasheet to see if the 21-day minimum waiting period applies to the vaccine your pet has been given.

When does a longer waiting period apply?

Some rabies vaccination manufacturers specify a longer waiting period of 30 days for the onset of immunity. Vaccine brands with a 30-day waiting period include:

  • Boehringer Ingelheim products
  • Purevax Feline Rabies
  • Rabisin
  • all Imrab vaccines

If your pet receives one of these brands of vaccine, you must wait 30 days after the primary vaccination (or final dose in a multi-dose primary course) before they can legally enter GB. Check (or ask your vet to check) the manufacturer’s official datasheet to see if the 30-day minimum waiting period applies to the vaccine your pet has been given.

Why has the UK government issued new guidance?

The new guidance aims to align import requirements with the scientific data for each vaccine product, ensuring pets coming into GB have sufficient antibody levels for protection against rabies.

A word about multi-dose rabies vaccines

A multi-dose rabies vaccine generally consists of an initial vaccination, followed a month later by a second dose. Some vaccines (including Canvac R) require more than two doses.

The 21- or 30-day waiting period for the onset of immunity then starts from the day after the final dose was given. Unless there’s a long lead time before your pet is due to travel, you should consider avoiding a multi-dose vaccine. Check with your vet what vaccine they plan to use.

Booster vaccinations

Make sure your pet gets regular rabies booster vaccinations. Check when the booster vaccination is due on your pet’s vaccination record or ask your vet. You don’t need to wait to travel after a booster vaccination if there’s been no break in the vaccine cover.

If you miss a booster, your pet will need to restart its rabies vaccinations and the 21- or 30-day waiting period for onset of immunity will apply.

What else does my pet need to travel to GB?

As well as a valid rabies vaccination, pets need a microchip and an appropriate pet travel document. Dogs may also need a tapeworm treatment.

When does my pet need a rabies blood test?

If you’re travelling from a country that isn’t part of the EU and isn’t a listed country, your pet will need to have a rabies blood test. You’ll have to wait longer before travelling. For more information about rabies blood test requirements, visit the UK government website.

Where can I get more information?

The information in this blog summarises current UK government guidance. Visit the UK government website for complete and up-to-date information about: