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.

2. What vaccinations are required?

Rabies vaccination, which must be done after the microchip is implanted.

3. Do I need a rabies blood test?

✔ Yes. Pets from unlisted countries require a rabies titre test:

• Blood is drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine.
• It 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 is key. Plan several months ahead.

Veterinary surgeries in Harare that can organise the titre test:

• Borrowdale Veterinary Surgery
• Highlands Veterinary Surgery
• Avondale Veterinary Surgery
• Chisipite Veterinary Surgery
• Kamfinsa Veterinary Surgery
• Arundel Veterinary Surgery
• Central Veterinary Surgery

4. What other medical treatments are required?

Tapeworm treatment (dogs only): required 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before entering the UK.
Cats do not require tapeworm treatment.

5. Can my pet arrive before me?

Your pet must enter the UK within 5 days before or after you arrive. Otherwise, different (commercial import) rules apply.

6. What travel documents does my pet need?

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC), also called the “GB Pet Health Certificate”. Zimpets Transport Services will organise this for you.

7. Are certain dog breeds banned?

Yes. Some breeds are prohibited from import into the UK unless special exemptions apply, including:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

8. Can my pet be tranquilised for the flight?

Generally, no. Sedation is strongly discouraged, and often prohibited, for pets flying as manifested cargo.

Why sedation is risky at altitude. It can:

• 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.

9. Feeding before travel

• Feed a light meal 6–8 hours before check-in.
• Do not feed immediately before the flight.
• Keep water available up to check-in.

10. Crate sizing

Crate size is critical. If the crate is too small, the airline will refuse transport.

Your pet must be able to:

• Stand without its ears touching the roof
• Turn around easily
• Sit and lie down naturally
• Stretch comfortably

11. IATA crate size measurements (dogs & cats)

Measure your pet while standing and send these measurements to Zimpets Transport Services:

12. How is my pet handled during the flight?

• Pets travel in a pressurised, temperature-controlled hold.
• Airline cargo staff are trained in live animal handling.
• Handling is limited once your pet is loaded.
• Water is usually topped up before loading.