UK ↔ EU ↔ UK Non-Commercial Pet Travel Rules



Non-Commercial Pet Travel Between the UK and the EU

Non-commercial pet travel applies when a pet is travelling with its owner (or an authorised person) and the journey is not linked to sale, rescue, rehoming, or transfer of ownership.

This page explains when pet travel can legally be classed as non-commercial and what documents are required for travel between the UK and the EU.

What Is Classed as Non-Commercial Pet Travel?

A journey is only classed as non-commercial if ALL of the following apply:

• The pet is owned by a private individual

• The owner travels with the pet or within 5 days

• The journey is not linked to adoption, rescue, or rehoming

• No ownership transfer takes place

• No sale or commercial transaction is involved

• No more than 5 pets are travelling

If any of the above conditions are not met, the journey is legally classed as commercial.

Documents Required for Non-Commercial Travel

For UK ↔ EU ↔ UK non-commercial pet travel, pets normally require:

• Microchip

• Valid rabies vaccination

• Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or valid EU Pet Passport

• Tapeworm treatment for dogs returning to the UK

• Owner declaration confirming non-commercial status

All documentation must meet DEFRA and APHA requirements.

Can a Transport Company Be Used?

In limited circumstances, a transport company may be used for non-commercial travel only if:

• The owner travels within 5 days of the pet

• Written authorisation is provided

• All non-commercial criteria are met

If pets are transported without the owner travelling, or if multiple unrelated pets are moved together, the journey may legally become commercial, even if described as non-commercial.

Common Non-Commercial Travel Mistakes

• Rescue or rehoming journeys described as non-commercial

• Owners travelling more than 5 days apart

• Pets moved by third parties without authorisation

• More than 5 pets travelling together

These mistakes can result in refused entry, delays, quarantine, or enforcement action.

Unsure If Your Journey Is Non-Commercial?

If there is any uncertainty, the journey should be treated as commercial to remain fully legal.

Please see our UK ↔ EU ↔ UK Commercial Pet Transport Rules page for further guidance.

Why Choose DL Pet Transport?

DL Pet Transport correctly classifies every journey, checks documentation before travel, and ensures full legal compliance for UK and EU pet movements.

Your pet’s journey is planned safely, legally, and correctly from the start