Shipping a dog or cat from Belgium to United Kingdom rewards owners who start planning early. Around 3-6 weeks should do it, as this is an easier route to plan. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order.
The …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Belgium to United Kingdom
typically takes around 3-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Belgium to United Kingdom pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO standard and pre-dates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is at least 21 days old and current
Responsible: Your vet (FASFC-authorised)
Allow time to update if needed.
3
Book cargo space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
4
FASFC-authorised vet issues AHC
Responsible: FASFC-authorised official vet
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before UK arrival. Record in AHC.
Responsible: Vet
Timed from UK arrival, not Belgian departure.
6
Travel to UK. Present AHC at border inspection post.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter United Kingdom
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination before entering Great Britain.
Quarantine
Not required. Belgium is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
AHC issued within 10 days of travel. No titre test needed for Belgian pets.
Export permit (Belgium)
No formal export permit required for pets leaving Belgium.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AHC from FASFC-authorised vet: approximately EUR 120-350 (GBP 100-300)
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only): EUR 20-50
Airline cargo Brussels to London: EUR 150-550 depending on crate size
Travel crate (IATA-compliant): EUR 60-220
Total typical range: GBP 300 to GBP 1,100
Critical points to read before you book
Belgium has regional (not national) breed restrictions. The Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital regions each have separate rules on Pit Bull-type dogs. If your breed is affected, verify what restrictions apply in your specific Belgian region before export.
Tapeworm treatment for dogs: timed from UK arrival, not Belgian departure. On a flight from Brussels to London Heathrow (approximately 80 minutes), treatment given the day before travel is within the 24-120 hour window.
The Eurostar Channel Tunnel service does not allow pets. All pet transport between Belgium and the UK must go by air.
AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel. Plan the vet appointment for the final week before departure.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
BRUSSELS
Brussels Airlines
Brussels (BRU) to London Heathrow. Pets as cargo via Brussels Airlines Cargo (Lufthansa Group).
Cargo Only
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Brussels and back. Cargo service via IAG Cargo.
Cargo Only
EUROSTAR
Eurostar
The Channel Tunnel train service does not accept pets in the passenger cars. Not an option for pet travel.
Not Suitable
Meeting United Kingdom's entry requirements
The requirements for United Kingdom are light, but not zero. A little planning goes a long way on a route like this.
Advice worth following
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
FAQ
Common questions about Belgium to United Kingdom pet transport
No. Belgium is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules. No quarantine is required for compliant arrivals. Your pet needs an AHC issued within 10 days of travel, a valid ISO microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a rabies vaccination that has been valid for at least 21 days. Dogs also need tapeworm treatment recorded in the AHC.
No. Eurostar does not accept pets in passenger cars. Pets in vehicles using the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle service can travel through the tunnel, but this is a road vehicle service rather than a public transport option. For most owners moving from Belgium to the UK, flying is the practical solution.
Belgium has no single national breed ban. The three regional governments (Flemish, Walloon, Brussels-Capital) have separate legislation that may restrict Pit Bull types and similar breeds. Check the rules for your specific region before moving. When entering Great Britain, the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 applies: Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros are prohibited types in Great Britain.
The AHC must be issued by a vet authorised by FASFC (the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, also known as AFSCA in French). Not every Belgian vet holds this official veterinarian status. Contact FASFC or ask your vet whether they are authorised. The AHC must be issued within 10 days of your travel date.
Airline guides
Brussels Airlines
British Airways
Eurostar
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Belgium to United Kingdom pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.