Bringing a dog from Bulgaria To UK can be a challenge, whether you’re moving to the UK or simply going there for a holiday.
But first, like all countries you visit with your dog, there are rules to learn and follow to accomplish this.
The UK is an amazing country to visit with your dog, not to mention it’s one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world.
With over 8 million dogs currently living in the UK, it’s definitely a place where your dog will feel welcome.
Now there are some things you need to do first before you start thinking about bringing a dog from Bulgaria To UK.
the first thing is you need an EU passport for your dog, and to get this your dog will need to go through some tests.
Even tho the UK is one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world they do have strict rules when entering pets.
So in this article, we are going to walk you through what the rules and regulations are.
Dogs Passport
Getting a Dogs Passport should be the first thing you enquire about, and being that Bulgaria and the UK are in the EU, this is good news, as the UK accepts all pet passports that are from any EU countries.
If your country is not in the EU, then this is where you need a dogs health certificate, called a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI)
You can get a pets passport from a vet authorized to issue them in countries the UK accepts pet passports from and the good news is Bulgaria is one of those’s countries.
Once you have your dog’s passport it must be stamped and signed by an Official Veterinarian with all the medical tests your dog will need to take, to be recorded inside the passport.
Always check that the vet has filled in the following sections in the pet passport below.
- Description of your dog
- Marking or identification of your dog
- Vaccination against rabies
- Rabies blood test (if needed)
- Details of the vet issuing the passport
- Your dog’s tapeworm treatment (if needed)
- Details of ownership
Dogs Micro chipped
Now before bringing a dog from Bulgaria into the UK, you will need to get your dog microchipped, this is also a requirement to obtain your dog’s passport.
Not only that but in the UK all dogs need to be microchipped before you can enter the country, this is now law! and getting your dog microchipped takes seconds to apply and is painless for the dog.
The good thing about having dogs microchipped is, this is a permanent form of identification, and just in case your dog is lost abroad, (then found) all the owner’s details are recorded on the chip.
Dogs Vaccinations
So once you have had your dog microchipped, the next thing is getting your dogs vaccinations all updated.
this is something you should plan ahead for because your dog needs to be vaccinated against rabies 21 days before you can travel.
All dogs must be over 12 weeks old to receive this rabies vaccination, now if you were coming from an unlisted country then your dog would need a further blood test, and in some cases wait another 3 months, but because Bulgaria is listed there no need.
Dog Breeds Banned In The UK
Now before you start bringing your dog from Bulgaria over to the UK, you need to check to see what type of dog breeds that are banned in the UK and make sure your dog is not on the list.
The Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 prohibits or restricts certain types of dog breeds in the UK and codifying the criminal offense of allowing a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control.
This is after eleven horrific attacks that happen in 1991 and now this act has banned the sale, purchase or exchange of the types of dog breeds in the UK that they consider Dangerous.
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
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Flying With A Dog
When Bringing a dog from Bulgaria To UK there are many ways to transport your dog, and one of the theses is by the airline,
but of course, with all airlines, there are some rules you need to follow when Flying with a dog on a plane.
Each airline has different rules and regulations when Flying with a dog, and one airline I like to use as an example is British Airways.
British Airways are an excellent airline for flying with a dog, and they have now partnered with a company called Pet Air UK which is run and owned by qualified veterinary surgeons.
Pet Air UK has been flying pets all over the world since 2004, which offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel their pets to and from the UK.
Now if you want to travel with your dog in the cabin, the good news is, this airline does allow guide dogs and other pets to travel with you in the cabin but only if they weigh no more than 6 KG.
If your dog weighs more than 6 KG then your dog will need to travel in the cargo hold.
They must also be transported in an airline approved dog carrier, the maximum dimensions are 20 x 30 x 20 cm. your dog will be required to remain in the dog carrier for the entire flight.
One website in particular that has a wide range of Airline Approved Dog Carriers is Amazon. You can see their current prices by clicking here.
For dogs that travel in the cargo hold, the sizes for medium dog carrier are 23.5″ x 18″ x 16″ (60 cm x 45 cm x 40 cm) and large carriers are between 28″ H x 20″ W x 20″ D (71 cm x 50 cm x 51 cm) and 41″ x 30″ x 31″ (105 cm x 75 cm x 79 cm). Carriers must contain food and water for the duration of the journey
To visit the British Airways website and to get more information about the rules and regulations for flying with a dog. Click Here
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Entering The UK
When you arrive in the UK, the staff from the travel company or airport will scan your dog’s microchip and check that you have all the relevant documents.
Remember your dog could be put into quarantine or sent back to the country origin if you don’t have all the correct documents and you will be charged for this.
So make sure you double-check you have everything before bringing a dog from Bulgaria over to the UK. You can find all this information at Gov.uk
Travelling With A Guide dog
Now I wanted to include traveling with a guide dog in this article because you don’t see much information about this online and
Bringing a dog from Bulgaria To UK even when your traveling with a guide dog, the rules above still apply.
But I wanted to explain this in more detail, so after doing some more research on this topic and finding all the ways you can travel from Bulgaria to the UK this is what I’ve learned so far…
Flying With A Guide Dog
When Flying with a Guide Dog your airline must allow you to travel with your assistance guide dog, this is if your flight departs from inside the EU.
You need to bring a car harness with you when you travel by air, this is so that your dog can be secured when the plane takes off or lands and you can enter any UK airport with your assistance dog.
There are additional rules to follow if your flight departs from outside the EU, but because you’re Bringing your dog from Bulgaria to the UK, and that both countries are in the EU, additional rules won’t apply.
Guide Dogs On Cruise Ships
You are allowed to take guide dogs on cruise ships when traveling in the EU. This information was researched from the Department Of Transport, and this is what the rules say…
The EU Regulation ensures any passengers who rely on an assistance dog will be legally entitled to take that dog with them when traveling on a passenger ship, such as a ferry or cruise vessel.
So you must be allowed to travel with your assistance dog on any of the following cruise ships /Ferries that are…
Ferry services entering and leaving the EU
Cruise services which leave from any EU country and arrive in England, Scotland or Wales
Dogs on Trains
Now the rail operators traveling within the EU must accept assistance guide dogs on trains, but operators may have extra conditions
For Example, Eurostar trains from UK/France/Belgium do not allow any pets on board but do accept guide dogs with strict rules.
Your guide dog must have been trained from one of the following companies below.
Assistance Dogs UK
Assistance Dogs International
The International Guide Dog Federation
You will be required to show this documentation when arriving in or if your departing from the UK
Depending on which travel-line you use when bringing with your dog from Bulgaria to the UK,
below I’ve added a detailed list of all trains that operate in and around the EU.
I’ve also included what the rules and regulations are for each travel-line for dogs and guide dogs.
You should find this extremely helpful if your planning on bringing your dog from Bulgaria to the UK using a train.
National Rail UK
Small dogs can travel with you on the train for free preferably in a portable dog carrier crate that’s no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm but you can have them on a lead just as long as they don’t wander around, annoy other passengers or climb on any seats.
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger again this is free of charge but only as long as they don’t sit on the chair as they are for paying passengers doing this could result in a charge.
Deutsche Bahn Germany
Small dogs up to the size of a domestic cat can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier that can fit under the seat or on the shelf above.
Larger dogs can travel on German trains but only if you purchase a special pet fare and they must be traveling on a leash wearing a muzzle at all times. Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger.
TGV Lyria Germany
Small dogs that weigh less than 6 kg can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm
If your dog weighs more than 6 kg TGV Lyria do offer a special Pet fare that you can book in SNCF and SBB train stations at counters or at any SNCF shop. Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger.
The same rule’s apply to TGV Lyria listed in France below.
Thalys Germany
Small dogs weighing up to 6 kg can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm larger dogs can only be admitted on board with a Dog fare ticket. They will be allowed in the car only.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger.
Please note that pets with the exception of guide dogs and service dogs are not accepted on Thalys Snow and Sun trains.
The same rules apply to Thalys: listed in France-Belgium and Netherlands below
SNCB Belgium
Small dogs can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 30 x 55 x 30 cm Larger dogs need to travel on a leash, wearing a muzzle. You will also need to purchase a ticket.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dog’s you can bring onto the train is two per passenger
Thalys Belgium
Small dogs weighing up to 6 kg can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm larger dogs can only be admitted on board with a Dog fare ticket. They will be allowed in the car only.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger
Please note that pets with the exception of guide dogs and service dogs are not accepted on Thalys Snow and Sun trains.
SNCF France
Rules state that if your dog weighs less than 6 kg your dog must travel in a bag or basket no larger than 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm placed on your knees or at your feet and its ticket costs €75
But If your dog weighs more than 6 kg the sncf states your dog must be muzzled throughout your journey and it must travel at your feet. and the ticket are priced at 50% of the full 2nd class fare, calculated using the standard rate per kilometer.
Guide dogs travel for free with no muzzle!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger.
TGV Lyria France
Small dogs that weigh less than 6kg can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm
If your dog weighs more than 6 kg TGV Lyria do offer a special Pet fare that you can book in SNCF and SBB train stations at counters or at any SNCF shop. Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger.
Thalys France
Small dogs weighing up to 6kg can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm larger dogs can only be admitted on board with a “Dog” fare ticket. They will be allowed in the car only.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger.
Please note that pets with the exception of guide dogs and service dogs are not accepted on Thalys Snow and Sun trains.
Thello France
Small dogs that weigh less than 5 kg can travel free of charge without reservation but they must travel in a portable dog carrier. Large dogs between 5kg and 50kg are still allowed on board for an Additional fee.
But Before traveling with a large dog it is recommended you contact Thello first by visiting there website.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can take onto the train is one per passenger.
The same rules apply to Thello listed in Italy below.
Ouigo France
Small dogs that weigh up to 6kg can board free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm If your dog weighs more than 6kg you need to purchase a ticket you can do this online by going to Ouigo website.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can take onto the train is two per passenger.
AVE trains in Spain
Including Renfe-SNCF allows small dogs no heavier than 10 kg that can travel in a portable dog carrier not exceeding 60 x 35 x 35 cm. Tickets for your dog can be booked online on Renfe’s website.
Unfortunately larger dogs are not permitted on any Spanish trains only Guide dogs can travel free charge.
The maximum number of dog’s you can take onto the train is one per passenger.
ltalo Italy
All dogs weighing in at 10 kilograms can travel free of charge in their dog carrier, But if you have a larger dog you will need to make a booking with Italo. Again larger dogs need to be kept on a leash and use a muzzle once they have boarded the train.
The maximum number of dog’s you can take onto the train is two per passenger.
Thello Italy
Small dogs that weigh less than 5kg can travel free of charge without reservation but they must travel in a portable dog carrier.
Large dogs between 5kg and 50kg are still allowed on board for an Additional fee.
But Before traveling with a large dog it is recommended you contact Thello first by visiting there website.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can take onto the train is one per passenger.
Trenitalia Italy
Small dogs can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 70 cm x 30 cm x 50 cm
Larger dogs need to travel on a leash, wearing a muzzle. You will also need to purchase a ticket. You can do this by contacting Trenitalia directly.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can take onto this train is one per passenger.
NS Netherlands
Small dogs can travel in a dog carrier for free in the Netherlands the maximum dimensions are 30 cm x 30 cm x 55 cm if you have a larger dog you will also need to purchase a ticket. You can do this by contacting the NS directly.
Larger dogs will also need to be kept on a leash wearing a muzzle before boarding. Guide dogs can travel for free! The maximum number of dogs you can take onto this train is two per passenger.
Thalys Netherlands
Small dogs weighing up to 6 kg can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier dimensions can be no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm larger dogs can only be admitted on board with a Dog fare ticket. They will be allowed in the car only.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge!
The maximum number of dogs you can bring onto the train is two per passenger.
Please note that pets with the exception of guide dogs and service dogs are not accepted on Thalys Snow and Sun trains.
OBB Austria
Small dogs can travel for free long as they are kept in a portable dog carrier and can fit by your feet or under the seat. Larger dogs need to travel on a leash, wearing a muzzle. You will also need to purchase a ticket, You can do this by contacting OBB directly.
Once boarded your dog may sit on the floor supervised by the owner. Guide dogs can travel for free! The maximum number of dogs you can take onto the train is two per passenger.
SBB Switzerland
Small dogs up to the size of a domestic cat can travel free of charge but they must travel in a portable dog carrier,
Your dog can only be put on seats when in suitable carriers And you must buy a half-price 2nd class ticket for each seat occupied.
If you have a larger dog you can purchase a 1-day travel pass these’s are available to purchase at the station or directly with SBB online. Guide dogs can travel for free
Dog Friendly Beaches
Being that the UK is one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches to visit.
Here’s one beach that I’ve mentioned in the previous article that’s located in the south west of the UK in Cornwall called Perranporth Beach.
It’s far from London, but if your planning to visit the Devon area where I’m from, then from there it’s only an hour’s drive.
Cornwall, in my opinion, have the best beaches and it’s great if your a surfer and are planning to ride some waves, and with all the open countryside here its definitely a place to bring your dog.
Dogs are currently allowed on Perranporth Beach all through the year. But during July and August there busiest time, Dogs are required to be on a lead between 10 am and 5 pm.
Once this restriction has ended which is usually the start of September you can let them run free off lead again.
This beach is excellent for exercising your dogs and not to mention your have some stunning views to admire.
This is just one beach but there are plenty more dog-friendly beaches you can visit in the UK, just make sure you check the rules before letting your dog walk on the beach or off the lead.
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Dog Carrier
You will need to get a Dog Carrier before bringing your dog from Bulgaria to the UK, not only that but this is a requirement when traveling with a dog on public transport, as mentioned above.
Now there’s plenty of travel crates for dogs or cats on the market today, the best place to view some ”Airline Approved Dog Carriers” and read Reviews is to visit Amazons Website there you will be able to find the recommended size, weight and price.
Or you can visit our Travel Products page and view some of our recommend top picks.
Conclusion
So once you have followed everything in this article then you should be fine to enter the UK with your dog, just remember to bring all the necessary paperwork with you.
The UK is a great place to visit with your family and your dog, there are so many places that are dog friendly, so you shouldn’t run into any problems.
Just always double-check the rules and regulations, because as I’ve shown you in this article, the rules can be different depending on type of transport you use, or what beaches you intend to visit.
