Retiring Abroad: How to Relocate Cats to the UK

 

Hi Shelley,

 

Thanks for your question! Moving cats to England will require obtaining a microchip, rabies vaccination and veterinary health certificate. Please refer to gov.uk for a complete rundown of the rules and requirements.

 

In the weeks before the move you'll also want to help your cats get used to their airline-approved travel crates -- here are a few cat crate-training tips that will provide some guidance if necessary. If you have any other general pet travel questions, we'd like to refer you to this overview of pet travel tips.

 

There is currently not a quarantine required for pets entering the UK from Canada, however they will need to pass through customs at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. Here is further explanation (including a video) of the HARC and what you can expect from the process.

 

Please look over this information carefully, and if you think you'd like some assistance with your cats' relocation, you're welcome to fill out our online consultation form. Either way, good luck with your trip and enjoy your retirement abroad!