Travelling With Your Service Dog or Pet to England

Traveling to London with your dog?

Are you a fan of both animals and travelling? If you’re headed for England, the best of both worlds are yours. You can be sure that pet-friendly amenities all over England that will keep both you and your pooch entertained – but before we deal with the details of the vacation itself, let’s first discuss the measures you’ll have to take to fly Fido out of the U.S., and into the U.K.!

Requirements for Pets

There are strict guidelines you’ll need to follow to ensure that your dog is fit for travelling. Because the United States is an unlisted country (it’s not part of the EU), there are a few more entry requirements you’ll have to make sure your pet has. Among these requirements are a health certificate, a rabies vaccination, a microchip, a blood test taken 30 days after vaccination, and treatment for tapeworm – if your pet is a dog.

After that blood test is taken, you’ll need to wait another 3 months before travelling to make sure that the rabies vaccination works; your USDA accredited vet will give you a copy of the test results. You’re allowed a maximum of 5 pets to bring, but there are some exceptions to the rule, like if you’re bringing these pets for a pet show. You’ll need to show them registration to prove this.

Service Dogs in England 

While the same rules apply for assistance dogs than they do for regular pets to travel, assistance dogs get a few more perks; they can travel along routes and in places other dogs can’t. For example, instead of being locked up in a kennel, they’ll be able to assist the person in need in the aircraft cabin.

England does recognize service dogs, and they should not be a problem to bring around with you wherever you go. Take note, though, they are referred to as “assistance dogs” over there!

Pet Friendly Places

As long as your dog is well-behaved and on a lead (that’s what they call a leash in the U.K.), England is mostly a very dog-friendly area. They have hotels that will willingly accommodate both pet and owner, as well as hotels that serve just your pup! Pen-y-Dyffryn is a multiple award-winning hotel in Shropshire that allows pets with you in their rooms, while ensuring you have a comfortable, luxurious stay. Sandybrook County Park in Derbyshire also lets you bring your dogs with you everywhere, and provides plenty of woodland where you can bring them for nice, long walks.

If you want to leave your dog for a while and have a night out at a place that isn’t so pet-friendly, try out the The Grove: Luxury Dog Boarding in Whittington, where you can leave your dog overnight to be taken cared of, and have a pampering, delightful stay.

In London, the Brick Lane Coffee lets you have your dose of fair trade coffee, while letting your dogs in as well! For some drinks at the Pub, Star & Anchor allows you to unwind with beverage in hand and a happy dog beside you. With England being such a great place to bond with your dog, there are far too many places to name that are pet-friendly! Fancy to visit a certain place and just need to bring your pup? Don’t be shy to phone them and ask!

[Editor’s Note: Please be aware that this material does not serve as legal advice. As with all blog content discussing legalities, be sure to consult Federal and State laws specific to your area before implementing any of this advice into your practices.]