International exhibitors’ guidance

1. Minimise the length of the journey as much as possible
2. If using commercial carriers during the journey make sure you know their terms and conditions and are able to comply
3. Take forecast weather into consideration and adapt your times of travel to avoid travelling when the weather is particularly hot or cold
4. Make sure the route you take enables you to give your dog plenty of toilet, water and food breaks out of the vehicle
5. If you are bringing your dog into GB from another country ensure you have all import documentation required. Additional information is available here.

1. Your dog should be fit and healthy enough to undertake the intended journey
2. Your dog will travel better if it does not have a full stomach – provide only a light meal about 2 hours before the journey starts
3. We would not recommend sedating your dog before transport - If you do give your pet a sedative you should carry a certificate which states the drug, dosage, and the date and time it was given.
4. Containers used must be of a suitable size for your dog. The dog must be able to stand naturally without any impediment, lie down and turn around within the container.
5. Ensure your dog has had the opportunity to become familiar with any transport container you intend to use to minimise stress.
6. Make sure you give your dog opportunity to toilet before transport commences

1. Make sure containers are safely positioned and secure
   - Cannot move when you accelerate, brake or go round corners
   -Are easy to get to so you can check your pet and get it out of the vehicle as necessary
   -Are not exposed to strong sunlight or drafts
2. Ventilation around containers must be maximised – avoid loading any other luggage around at least 3 sides of the container
3. Do not place any heavy luggage on the container
4. Make sure you are carrying enough water, and food if necessary
5. Regularly check your pet during the journey, offer water frequently and provide toilet and exercise breaks in safe places.

The welfare of animals in transport is covered by EU Regulation 1/2005, implemented in England by The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 (WATEO 2006) and parallel legislation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Under Articles 4 and 5(1)(a) of WATEO 2006, there is a general duty of care provision protecting animals from being transported in a way which causes or is likely to cause them injury or unnecessary suffering.

EU Regulation 1/2005 and certain provisions of WATEO 2006 relate to the transport of animals in connection with an economic activity. If these provisions apply to you, there may be additional requirements when transporting your dog. Further guidance can be found here.

Where APHA Inspectors identify transport conditions that are not compliant with Article 4 or Article 5(1)(a) of WATEO 2006 they will take or direct action to be taken

Requirements for bringing your dog into the UK can be found here.