PET TRAVEL - Barbados to the UK

This article covers the requirements needed for a dog to safely travel to & enter the UK from Barbados, based from my own experience.

The process will take at least 21 days, this is due to the time frame in which dogs need to have received a rabies vaccination before arriving in the UK.

Even if you're not able to stay on the island for this amount of time, there are boarding kennels that may be able to assist for an additional fee.

All dogs traveling from Barbados to the UK need to have had their rabies vaccination AT LEAST 21 days before their scheduled arrival date in the UK.

All dogs entering the UK must have a micro chip, this can be done at the same time as the vaccinations. If you explain to the vet you plan to

travel with your dog they will likely be able to give

you some advice.

All dogs also need to be treated for ticks, fleas, worms and other parasites. This again can be done at the same vet visit.

All dogs must be treated for Tape worm before entering the UK. This treatment must be given at least 24 hours before and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering the UK.

I'd recommend giving yourself some time either side and take into consideration any potential flight delays which could affect your timings.

Its important to make sure that your paperwork including the dates of treatments is correct as any issues could result in your dog being placed into quarantine upon arrival in the UK.

You will need to get a GB pet health certificate from the vet in Barbados, they will fill out the necessary parts and i'd recommend keeping this with any other vet paperwork ie microchipping & treatment dates.

You will also need to obtain another certificate from the veterinary services department ministry of agriculture, this needs to be signed and stamped by the government vet. You do not need to bring your dog with you for this, just the paperwork. You will also have to pay for the certificate in cash, so bring some with you!

Each airline has its own pet travel policys so its important to check the specific measurments & requirments provided by the airline you wish to use.

Some airlines do not accept particular breeds including those classed as 'snub nosed' so please do your research!

This information is based on my own research and experience however, i would always advise for you to do your own research as policy's and laws can sometimes change.

Depending on your situation, you can either book your dog on a flight with you, or seperatly as cargo. To do this you will need to contact the airline.

You can either build or purchase a crate which is suitable and meets the airlines requirements for your pet to travel. I purchaced a crate from Carters which met the airline requirments however be prepaired to make some slight adjustments. My pup was small so i was asked to add an additional mesh to the crate door for the dogs safety during the flight.

Before your dog leaves Barbados, you will need to contact and book a UK clearing agent to assist your dog through customs. I used a company called PetairUK, they will deal with the customs process and will inform you when your dog has landed safely and can be collected. They also offer the service of checking paperwork is ok before departure which is really helpful.

It's a long journey for a dog and like us, they need food and water along the way.

I recommend attaching a rabbit water bottle onto the crate to offer your dog some water during their journey as a normal water bowl will be easily knocked over. It's also nice to add something soft for your dog to lay on and something with your smell which can offer them some comfort.

Going through the process you will be advised accordingly, however expect to attach all of your paperwork & certificates to the outside on the crate inside a waterproof and easily accessible bag. You may also attach a bag onto the crate with the dogs collar, lead and any food or treats for them when they arrive in the UK.

It can take several hours for your pet to be processed through customs upon arrival and in this time they will be taken to a facility where they will be let out of their crate and placed into a temporary kennel, awaiting customs clearance and finally.. your long awaited collection!!!