Moving to Scotland with your pet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Pets in Transit, we handle every detail to ensure your dog, cat, or other companion travels safely and comfortably from the beginning of the journey to the very end. Our experienced team takes care of the logistics—from flight arrangements and documentation to customs clearance and final delivery—so you can focus on your move with confidence. Whether you’re relocating to Edinburgh, Glasgow, or the Scottish Highlands, we’ll make sure your pet’s relocation is smooth, safe, and completely stress-free.
Once your booking is confirmed, our team works with your veterinarian to collect all required vaccination records and health documents. We review everything carefully to ensure your pet meets Scotland’s entry requirements and is cleared for travel.
Our experts prepare all necessary travel paperwork, verify your pet’s microchip information, and confirm that health certificates meet Scotland’s import standards. Every detail is double-checked to ensure quick approval upon arrival.
With documentation complete, we arrange your pet’s flight to Scotland. We choose routes that prioritize comfort, safety, and minimal travel time, coordinating with airlines to make sure your pet receives attentive care throughout their journey.
Before departure, you’ll receive a full itinerary that outlines flight details, drop-off and pick-up times, and arrival information. We keep you fully informed so you always know what to expect before and during your pet’s trip.
Your pet will be picked up by our trained and experienced handlers from your home, veterinary office, or another preferred location. Each pet receives gentle care and individual attention to ensure they are calm, secure, and travel-ready.
At Pets in Transit, we provide regular updates so you know exactly how your pet is doing while in transit. You’ll be notified at each key stage—from check-in and takeoff to arrival in Scotland—giving you complete peace of mind.
Upon arrival in Scotland, we oversee customs clearance and any required entry checks or quarantines. Once your pet is approved for entry, your pet is safely delivered to your new home.
Preparing your pet for travel to Scotland takes careful organization and attention to detail. Pets must meet strict identification, vaccination, and documentation requirements to enter the country without delays. From ISO-compliant microchipping and rabies vaccinations to completing the correct health certificate and treatments, each step must be handled correctly. At Pets in Transit, we walk you through the process to ensure your pet’s travel plans meet all import standards.
All pets entering Scotland must have a functioning ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before their rabies vaccination. Your veterinarian will scan the chip to confirm it reads correctly and that the number matches your documentation. If your pet’s chip is not ISO-compatible, a new ISO-compliant chip must be implanted, or you must travel with your own scanner that can read it. Pets in Transit verifies that your pet’s identification is properly registered and compliant before travel to avoid any border complications.
Note: ISO-compliant microchips typically contain a 15-digit identification number.
To enter Scotland, pets must have a valid rabies vaccination administered after microchip implantation. The vaccination must be given by a licensed veterinarian and completed at least 21 days before travel (or the waiting period specified by the vaccine manufacturer).
Here are the rules for rabies vaccinations in Scotland, according to the USDA website.The first rabies vaccine administered after the microchip implantation is considered a primary vaccination and is valid for one year, even if the vaccine is labeled for 3 years. A booster must be given within 12 months to maintain coverage; any lapse resets the timeline.
Rabies boosters given before the previous vaccination expires remain valid for one to 3 years, depending on the manufacturer. If there is no lapse in coverage, pets do not need to wait an additional 21 days before traveling after a booster is given.
All pets traveling to Scotland must have a UK Health Certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or a military veterinarian. Once completed, the certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS—which includes official ink signature and embossing. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of entry into Scotland for non-commercial moves. Pets in Transit coordinates this entire process through VEHCS, ensuring all endorsements and documentation are accurate and on schedule.
Dogs entering Scotland must receive a tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) treatment administered by a USDA-accredited veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before entry. The treatment must include a medication containing praziquantel and be recorded on the UK health certificate, including the product name, manufacturer, and time of administration. Our team ensures this step is completed properly to prevent any issues at customs.
Scotland does not require quarantine if all entry requirements are met. However, pets that arrive without valid microchip verification, rabies certification, or an endorsed health certificate may be denied entry or placed in quarantine at the owner’s expense. Pets in Transit carefully checks every document and step of the process to help your pet avoid delays and ensure a smooth arrival.
All pets flying to Scotland must travel in an IATA- and airline-approved crate that allows them to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. We assist with selecting or custom-fitting the right crate for your pet’s size and breed to ensure compliance with airline and import regulations.
The UK enforces breed restrictions that apply in Scotland. It is illegal to own or import certain dog breeds, including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully. If you are unsure whether your dog’s breed or appearance could be restricted, our team reviews breed-specific rules and entry policies to help you determine eligibility before travel.
Let us handle all of the details and effortlessly manage your pet’s relocation from start to finish!
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