Transport Pets from Bulgaria to the UK

Legal Requirements & What You Need to Know

Since Brexit, pet transport from Bulgaria to the UK is subject to strict legal regulations designed to protect both animal and public health.

If you are arranging transport for your pet, it is essential that all documentation is completed correctly and submitted in advance — failure to do so can result in refusal of entry, quarantine, or seizure at the UK border.

🏥 Animal Health Certificate – A Legal Requirement

For any commercial pet transport (when you are paying any transporter), the following is mandatory by UK law:

✅ Official Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

• Issued only by an Official Government Veterinarian via the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA)

• Must be registered on the IPAFFS system to notify UK authorities of your pet’s arrival

• Required for checks by APHA (Animal & Plant Health Agency)

• Valid for 10 days from the date of issue

• Must travel with your pet and be presented at the UK border

⚠️ Important: This document is NOT optional.
Without it, your pet may be:

• Refused entry into the UK

• Placed into quarantine

• Seized by border authorities

📍 Why This Process Is So Important

The UK and EU operate a TRACK & TRACE system to monitor animal movements.

This ensures that:

• Departure and destination addresses are recorded

• Any disease risks (such as rabies or parasites) can be quickly identified

• Both animal and human health are protected

⚖️ Commercial Pet Transport – Know the Law

If your pet is not travelling with you and you are paying a transporter, the journey is legally classified as commercial transport.

This means:
✔️ Full documentation is required
✔️ Your pet must be declared on the IPAFFS system before entry
✔️ All UK import rules must be followed & a customs declaration made

❌ A simple “consent form” is NOT enough

If your pet is not correctly declared, you risk: Border refusal - Seizure of your pet - Serious delays and additional costs

🚍 Choosing a Legal & Compliant Pet Transporter

Before booking, always ensure your transporter:

✔️ Is DEFRA licensed (Type 2) for long journeys (over 8 hours)
✔️ Understands UK customs and pet import regulations
✔️ Provides IPAFFS registration via official systems
✔️ Handles ALL customs and legal documentation correctly
✔️ Prioritises animal welfare and safety throughout the journey

❤️ Travel With Confidence

We specialise in fully legal, DEFRA-approved pet transport from Bulgaria to the UK, ensuring every pet travels safely, comfortably, and in full compliance with UK law.

We handle:

• Animal Health Certificates

• IPAFFS notification

• Customs declarations

• Pet channel crossing

• Welfare-focused transport

🐾 With us, your pet’s journey is safe, legal, and stress-free.

📩 Get in touch for advice or a quote
🌐 www.pettransportbulgaria.co.uk
📲 WhatsApp: +359 899 415240 | +44 7537 188501