Are non-UK pets quarantined?

Hi, everyone..

I'm just curious as I've heard of this and recently read it in an FAQ offsite.  Do pets from the US (or any other country for that matter) need to be quarantined for six months upon arrival in the UK?  I am kinda saddened by this as I sometimes fantasize about living in England, but the idea of my two kitties being locked up for six months would definitely give me pause.  I'm not saying that I would ever be able to even move there (England), but, if I ever had an opportunity to even be there for a little while, the fact that my cats would be quarantined for six months would make me pass up the opportunity, altogether--and that would be ashame.

Can anyone shed some light on this?  Have the laws changed in any way or does this still stand?

Thank you, everyone! :)

Hugs, Jo

Hi Cozy 

I googled the quarantine requirements and it states that if from USA or Canada and if you following certain criteria pets are allowed into England without the six month quarantine (this was 2002 so not hundred percent sure it still applies) but the information is contained at the following:

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/info/customs/england.shtml

Hi, James and Cathy...

Thank you for your replies.  Well, after I initially posted I found an expat website with interviews and one person said she had her pets micro-chipped as one of the steps towards preventing the six-month quarantine.  I haven't seen your website, yet, but I'm going to take a look.  Thank you so much, Cathy. :)

Hugs, Jo

We were not allowed to see the cat for a month i beleive (been a long time).  There was someone who met the plane coming in, and they take custody of the animal.  after a month, we could visit whenever we wanted.  he did quite well, it was ME that had such a hard time of it. 

I went to visit on one occasion and they took me in, and they had to lock you in the cage with the animal.  they would ask how long you wanted to stay so they could return and let you out.   i had told them about 40 minutes, and low and behold, i was in there for a heck of alot longer than that!  nor did they have an intercom for me to call on...LOL  I was NOT amused....

Hey, Roses..

Wow. I can just imagine your disdain at having been forgotten about in this "cell".  I'm sorry that that happened to you.  Like you, I would not have been able to cope with having my kitty quarantined for so long.

Jo