Government streamlines system for people fleeing Ukraine with pets

The government has streamlined its system for allowing people fleeing Ukraine with their pets to enter the UK.

Using an emergency licence, people fleeing Ukraine can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government.

The government says the Animal and Plant Health Agency is providing quick licence approvals and quarantine arrangements to avoid creating additional burdens or delays. The government will also be covering vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs.

The maximum stay in quarantine for a pet which has received no rabies vaccination is four months, but Ukranian pets will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with a shortened quarantine period for those that are vaccinated.

The government is also introducing a new rabies blood test that will be able to detect existing rabies vaccinations. Results can be turned around in a minimum of two days with some animals then moving to isolation if they are found to have rabies antibodies.

Animal Welfare Minister, Lord Goldsmith, said: “People having to flee Ukraine are in an appalling situation. I’m pleased that Ukrainian refugees will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs paid for by the government.

“As part of our new streamlined process, any animals which have already received some treatment may also have their stay in quarantine facilities reduced and be returned back to their owner as soon as possible.”