As freight forwarders, we see all kinds of goods shipped worldwide: soft toys from China, cars from Germany, and clothing from India. We even take care of live animal export.
And as you can imagine, it’s something we take incredible care and attention with.
Are you thinking about importing or exporting live animals? Here’s everything you need to know about moving animals between the UK and the rest of the world.
What Type Of Live Animals Can Be Exported?
All sorts of live animals can be transported internationally, and the categories run as follows;
- Pets, such as cats, dogs, rabbits and Guinea pigs
- Horses
- Fish and shellfish
- Livestock and poultry
- Endangered animals
When you’re looking into shipping live animals, it can be pretty overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, and the rules and regulations that cover the export of animals for food are very different from those defining how to safely and legally move your pet to a different country.
We’ll cover both in this blog to make sure you’re fully informed.
Exporting Livestock and Poultry
The term livestock refers to pigs, goats, sheep and cows that are kept or sold as a source of income. These animals are often transported live to breeders in other parts of the world and fall under specific shipping guidelines.
Whether the animals are travelling within the EU or outside of it, they’ll need an Export Health Certificate (EHC). Each animal and its destination country will have different guidelines, so you need to check which certificates you need to apply for. You can do that at www.gov.uk/export-health-certificates.
An official vet or inspector must certify your certificates before you complete your application.
Poultry Health Scheme
If exporting poultry, you’ll likely need to register with the Poultry Health Scheme. You must be a member of the scheme to move poultry to Northern Ireland or the EU, but non-EU countries vary – your EHC will specify whether or not you need to join.
Quarantine Rules
There are different rules if you’re shipping within the EU compared to moving livestock and poultry to non-EU countries.
The animals you’re shipping will need to be held at the country of origin before shipping to non-EU countries, and pigs, sheep and cows must be held for 40 days if going to an EU destination.
Helpfully, the EHC you’re applying for will state how long you need to hold your animals.
EU Border Control
Animals entering the EU will need to go through border checks to protect the animals’ welfare and make sure they are healthy and safe to enter the country. Your carrier will inform them 24 hours before your shipment arrives.
Your shipment of livestock or poultry will also need to comply with the wider customs requirements of the country you’re shipping to.
Welfare
The welfare of animals during transit is of utmost importance. As such, there are lengthy guidelines that must be adhered to. When transporting animals of any kind, you must:
- Keep the journey as short as reasonably possible
- Make sure the animals aren’t at risk of harm, injury or stress during travel
- Check on the animals regularly and provide food and water
- Have and maintain the correct vehicle and loading facilities
- Have made sure anyone handling the animals has the appropriate type and level of training
- Provide a space for the animals which is fit for purpose
As transporters, we hold transporter authorisation – both type 1 and type 2 – that allows us to move livestock and animals throughout the UK. There are stringent checks made on those who are responsible for moving animals and their welfare during transit can be vetted by trading standards officials as well as agents from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Exporting Pets
If you’re moving to another country and want to take your beloved pet with you, you’ll need to arrange appropriate transportation. You might worry that this could be a stressful experience, and there is a lot to consider when making these arrangements, so let’s jump in and tool you up with what to expect.
As with livestock, different countries have different rules. For example, we’re willing to bet you didn’t know that hamsters are banned in Australia?!
To travel to a country within the EU, your pet legally needs;
- To be microchipped
- To have received their rabies vaccination
- A health certificate or pet passport
It’s well worth noting that now, because of Brexit, pet passports issued in Great Britain are generally no longer accepted. This means that a health certificate is also needed to move your pet from one country to another.
Air Freight
Long journeys by road or ship can cause extra levels of stress upon an already unnerving experience for the animals.
Because air travel is quick and secure, most pets are transported using this method – although there are exceptions. Many airlines won’t fly brachycephalic breeds, such as French bulldogs, bulldogs and pugs, because of the reduced efficiency of their airways and the increased pressure associated with flying.
In transit, most pets are contained in appropriately sized crates and containers that allow them to stand, sit and lie down effectively. These crates usually sit in specialist pressurised cargo holds, kept at an ambient temperature, to make travel as comfortable as possible for the animals.
Small pets like rodents, rabbits and reptiles can travel with you as long as you’re following your airline’s guidelines, although there are some exceptions, like transporting snakes to Australia or New Zealand. That’s a big no-no.
There Are A Lot Of Rules When It Comes To Exporting Live Animals
Exporting live animals is highly regulated, as it should be. Animals being transported must receive the care, attention and correct handling they need to ensure their journeys are as calm and easy as possible.
Because of this, a lot of paperwork and stress can be involved in exporting live animals, and it can feel like a minefield. Using an experienced carrier can help take the weight off.
Leaving the country and want to bring your pet along for the adventure? Thinking of exporting livestock? Contact Millennium, and we’ll be happy to help simplify the whole process.