Pet Travel Zimbabwe → UK
1. Can I bring my pet (dog/cat) with me to the UK?
✔ Yes — you can bring up to 5 pets with you if they meet all health and entry requirements.
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What vaccinations are required?
Rabies Vaccination:
Must be done after the microchip is implanted.
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Do I need a rabies blood test?
✔ Yes — Pets from unlisted countries require a rabies titre test:
Blood draw at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine.
Must be tested in an approved lab showing ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
You must wait 3 months from the blood draw date before travel.
This timing requirement is key: plan several months ahead.
Veterinary Surgeries in Harare that can organise the rabies titre test:
Borrowdale Veterinary Surgery
Highlands Veterinary Surgery
Avondale Veterinary Surgery
Chisipite Veterinay Surgery
Kamfinsa Veterinary Surgery
Arundel Veterinary Surgery
Central Veterinary Surgery
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What other medical treatments are required?
Tapeworm treatment (Dogs only):
Required within 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before entering the UK.
Cats do NOT require tapeworm treatment.
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Can my pet arrive before me?
Your pet must enter the UK within 5 days before or after you arrive, or different (commercial import) rules kick in
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What travel documents does my pet need?
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) → “GB Pet Health Certificate” which will be organized by Zimpets Transport Services
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Are certain dog breeds banned?
Yes — some dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro) are prohibited from import into the UK unless special exemptions apply.
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Can you tranquilize a pet that is flying as manifested cargo?
Generally, no — tranquilizing or sedating pets is strongly discouraged and often prohibited for pets flying as manifested cargo.
Why is sedation not recommended for air travel?
Sedation can be dangerous at altitude because it may:
Suppress breathing and heart rate
Affect balance and blood pressure
Increase the risk of oxygen deprivation
Make it harder for the pet to regulate body temperature
Mask signs of distress or medical emergencies
Air pressure, temperature changes, and stress can intensify the effects of sedatives, sometimes with fatal consequences.
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Feeding before travel:
Feed a light meal 6–8 hours before check-in
Do not feed immediately before the flight
Water should be available up to check-in
- Crate sizing is critical. If the crate is too small, the airline will refuse transport.
Your pet must be able to:
Stand without ears touching the roof
Turn around easily
Sit and lie down naturally
Stretch comfort
11. IATA Crate Size Formula (Dogs & Cats)
Measure your pet while standing, send these measurements to Zimpets Transport Services:
A = Nose tip to base of tail
B = Height from ground to elbow
C = Width across shoulders
D = Height from ground to top of head or ear tip (whichever is higher)
How is my pet handled during the flight?
Pets travel in a pressurised, temperature-controlled hold
Airline cargo staff trained in live animal handling
Limited handling once loaded
Water is usually topped up before loading