Shipping Pets

Dogs and cats are not licensed in the UK, however they are required to be microchipped. You are also expected to maintain their shots and take steps to ensure their health. Animal Welfare will confiscate neglected and abused animals in addition to fining and possibly imprisoning the owners. 

Preventive Medicine/Vaccination Recommendations

Vaccinations are a means of stimulating your animal's immune system to provide disease-fighting antibodies. A series of vaccinations given every 3 to 4 weeks should be administered to young dogs and cats from approximately 6 weeks to 6 months old. Protection is maintained by "booster" vaccinations given either bi-annually, annually or every three years (different vaccinations require boosters at different intervals). 

First vaccines are administered at 6-8  weeks of age. Second vaccines are at 10-12 weeks. Third vaccines are from 14-16 weeks

Re-vaccinations should be scheduled at 6, 12 or 36 months, depending on the vaccine.

Dogs should be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza, and Canine Leptospirosis.

Cats should be vaccinated against Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus. Vaccination for Feline Leukemia is highly recommended for outdoor cats.

Although the UK is a rabies-free country, we recommend maintaining your animal’s rabies vaccination schedule. In some cases (PCS to Japan, Guam and Hawaii), rabies history is required.

It's recommended you deworm your dog/cat regularly, using either the monthly heartworm preventatives (that also help control intestinal parasites) or with a broad-spectrum dewormer.

Registration

Registration to RAF Feltwell Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) is required for active-duty military members per Air Force Instruction (AFI) 31-126 within 14 days of arrival in the country or 14 days after acquiring a new pet. Services are only provided for customers that have completed the registration. Registration packets can be picked up  RAF Feltwell VTF or can be email it to you. Complete the registration packet with the most current and up to date information and sign the VTF Policy Letter and No Show Policy letter. You may attach any vaccine or pet history with the packet. The packet then can be scanned/emailed to the clinic at vet.clinic2@us.af.mil or dropped off during business hours. Registration can take up to 3 to 4 days. Although you are required to register your pet(s) with the clinic on base, you are free to take your pet(s) to receive treatment at the clinic of your choice whether that be on or off base.

Visit the Total Relocation & Community Handbook (ToRCH) for critical information and resources about shipping and importing/exporting your pet to/from the UK.

Be aware that the UK is a rabies-free country and there may be a pet quarantine in effect in the UK for animals who do not meet the new rules for admission to the country. New rules have been established by the British government which allow animals to enter the country without quarantine provided they comply with the Pets Travel Scheme (P.E.T.S). Please see the RAF Alconbury website for more information.

The mission of the U.S. Army Veterinary Detachment at RAF Feltwell is to examine, immunize and treat pets of Department of Defense (DOD) personnel stationed in the United Kingdom (UK). The Public Health Command, District Southern Europe unit on RAF Feltwell is the only US military clinic for all of the UK and Iceland. Registration is required before receiving any services or products.

Registration documents include (best to call to verify documentation that is needed):

• DD Form 2343, Veterinary Health Record
• Copy of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders
• Photocopy of the sponsor's ID card
• Copy of the pet's vaccination record/medical record

  For more information, contact the U.S. Army Veterinary Detachment at DSN 314-226-7097 or Comm 011-44-527-097.

The British government has placed a ban on certain breeds of dogs. The ban covers Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brazilieros and any other type of dog which appears to have been bred for fighting. For an updated list of banned breeds please refer to the UK Government Website as well as the Base Housing Policy.