Pet Travel Question: Pit Bulls to the UK? | PetRelocation (2024)

FAQs

Pet Travel Question: Pit Bulls to the UK? | PetRelocation? ›

Unfortunately, according to the official government website (www.defra.gov.uk), it looks like Pit Bulls are a banned breed when it comes to importing pets to the UK. Sorry to break this news to you; please contact us if you have any more questions about pet travel and good luck with everything.

Breeding Pit Bulls is illegal, and if a cross does not have the physical characteristics of a Pit Bull, it is unlikely to be seized by police or other officials.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has given guidance to law enforcers on what to look for when 'typing' a dog. Pitbull terrier types are defined using measurements based on an American breed standard for show dogs from the 1970s. Enforcers use a tape measure for this test.

They must be microchipped before they get their rabies vaccination. Vaccinate your pet against rabies. You must wait at least 21 days after the primary vaccination (or the last of the primary course of vaccinations) before bringing your pet to Great Britain. Get a pet travel document from your vet.

Snub Nose Breeds (brachialcephalic breeds)

Most American airlines (Delta, United, American, Alaskan, Hawaiian) no longer accept snub nosed breeds, including pitbulls, staffies and American bullies for carriage. You are welcomed to contact our office for referrals to ground transporters who may be able to assist.

Unfortunately, according to the official government website (www.defra.gov.uk), it looks like Pit Bulls are a banned breed when it comes to importing pets to the UK. Sorry to break this news to you; please contact us if you have any more questions about pet travel and good luck with everything.

Going to court

If you cannot prove it (or you plead guilty), you'll be convicted of a crime. You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both) for having a banned dog against the law. Your dog will also be destroyed.

Banned Breeds That Must Be Muzzled

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans four breeds in the UK - Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros. Dogs that are suspected to be one of these breeds must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, even if they are well-trained and non-aggressive.

The name "Staffordshire Bull Terrier" was first used in Britain in 1930 in advertisem*nts for bull-and-terrier-type dogs.

Tip: DNA testing will give you the most definitive answer about the dog's breed. Purchase a dog DNA test online, swab the inside of the dog's cheek, and mail the sample back to the company for processing. This will allow you to learn all about your dog's parentage.

Is it hard to bring a dog to the UK? ›

Yes, you can, you just need to follow a few important rules. Your pet will need to be microchipped, hold a pet passport or third-country official veterinary certificate, have a valid vaccination against rabies and other requirements, depending on where your pet will be travelling from.

The duration of the pet quarantine period in the UK can vary depending on your pet's country of origin and compliance with import regulations. It typically ranges from 21 to 180 days, with most pets falling within the shorter end of this spectrum.

Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.

Please note: American Pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier and bull terrier are snub-nosed breeds and so are not accepted for transportation in the cargo hold.

Travelers homeowners insurance underwriting guidelines state that a number of dog breeds — as well as any animal that is “vicious or has previously bitten or injured” — are restricted from coverage. These breeds include pit bulls, Akitas, American Staffordshire terriers, bullmastiffs and Staffordshire bull terriers.

Can you insure a dangerous dog? It depends on the insurer. Each will have its own rules. Some tend to list specific breeds they do not cover, while others prefer simply to state that they do not insure dogs mentioned in the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991.

Regulations in the UK

At the moment there is no requirement to muzzle your dog in the UK. However, a list of breeds has been composed that includes dogs that are not allowed at all in the UK. These breeds include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanse Tosa, Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro.

There is no blanket law requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in all public spaces. But there are a series of orders that mean you have to leash your dog in certain places in your local area. For example in children's play areas, sports pitches, roads, parks and beaches.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a restricted breed in Ireland, this includes strains and crosses of them. In accordance with the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, while in a public place, restricted breeds must be: Wearing a muzzle. Kept on a short strong lead (under 2m)