IMPORTED DOGS
Keeping Your Pet, Your Family, and Our Team Safe
Have you adopted a dog from overseas or travelled abroad with your pet? With more dogs entering the UK from abroad, it’s important to understand the health checks required to protect pets, owners, and our veterinary staff.
There are several diseases commonly found in Europe and beyond that are not naturally present in the UK. Because of this, testing and vigilance are essential for all imported dogs.
To protect everyone in the clinic, all imported or travelled-abroad dogs must be tested for Brucellosis before we can see them.
This includes dogs previously tested elsewhere.
Some diseases may not show immediately due to incubation periods.
Dogs should be retested 3 months after arrival.
Please contact us before your appointment to discuss testing requirements based on your dog’s travel history.
Mandatory Brucellosis Testing
TESTING
Recommended Additional Screening
Alongside the required Brucellosis test, we recommend screening for other “exotic” diseases that may not be present in the UK:
Leishmania
Heartworm
Ehrlichia canis
Anaplasma
Hepatozoon canis
Babesia
These tests involve a simple blood sample that is sent to a specialist laboratory. Many affected dogs show no symptoms initially, so screening helps ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment.
You can check which diseases are common in your dog’s country of origin here.
Understanding Brucellosis
CAN IT BE PASSED ONTO PEOPLE?
Yes. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Recent UK cases—including an infection linked to a rescued dog from Belarus—have highlighted its importance.
Brucellosis is common in many Central and Eastern European regions. In dogs, it often causes reproductive issues and is spread through bodily fluids, especially reproductive secretions or birthing materials.
People at increased risk include:
Immunocompromised individuals
Pregnant women
Children
Breeders
Even though the risk from an asymptomatic dog is low, the consequences can be serious. This is why Brucellosis screening is mandatory for all imported dogs.
Before you visit us
For everyone’s safety, we cannot see imported or travelled-abroad dogs until they have completed Brucellosis testing, regardless of any previous tests.
Please contact us before booking. Testing requirements vary depending on the region a dog has travelled from or through.
Our veterinary team is always happy to discuss testing options, follow-up care, and any questions you may have about your pet’s health.
