Recently, there’s been a concerning rise in inquiries—often from groups or individuals unaware of the strict regulations—about bringing foxes into the UK. The reality, however, is that moving foxes into the UK is far from a simple legal process and for those not in full compliance of these regulations, it can have severe consequences.
Foxes and UK Travel Regulations
First and foremost, foxes do not qualify for travel under the Pet Passport Scheme, with stringent health and identification requirements to prevent the spread of diseases. Unlike domesticated animals, foxes are considered wild animals in UK law and fall under a completely different set of rules, all of which are meant to protect public health, local ecosystems, and the welfare of the animals themselves.
In the UK, the Pet Passport scheme is designed for certain pets traveling into or out of the UK within Europe and some other regions. However;
❌ the Pet Passport Scheme does not cover foxes.
The UK Pet Passport scheme applies only to:
Dogs
Cats
Ferrets
No other species, including foxes, are eligible for the pet passport, which means that foxes require a different and more complex import procedure.
The Balai Directive: Animal Exports
The conditions that apply to movement of certain rabies susceptible animals (listed in Schedule 1, Parts 1 and 2 of the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974), are laid down in Council Directive 92/65/EEC (as amended), known as the Balai Directive.
The Balai Directive covers animals and products which are not covered by other EU legislation. Movements under this directive are described as being ‘commercial’ moves or ‘trade’.
Import of Rabies Susceptible Animals (Foxes)
All other animals not fit to travel under the Pet Passport Scheme are covered by Schedule 1, Part II of The Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other mammals) Order 1974 (as amended) and will require a licence under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974.
This includes 4 months in quarantine, at an authorised rabies approved facility, unless an exemption from quarantine applies. Rules for importing foxes into the UK:
✔️ Import License: The animal must be accompanied by an import license (RM3. Where exemption is granted a landing licence ID102, is issued), issued at least 4 weeks before the date of travel.
✔️ Health Certificate: The animal must be accompanied by a model health certificate, completed by an Official Veterinarian (OV), at the country of origin. An OV is a veterinarian who performs duties on behalf of the government.
✔️ Authorised Quarentine and Transport Carrier: Confirmation of 4 months quarantine in an authorised facility and confirmation of rabies authorsied transport to the facility (in the event the RM3 was issued, not the ID102).
✔️ Pre-Travel Health Exam: A clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian (OV) must occur 24 hours before the animal is dispatched.
Please note that for any of the above, additional health conditions may be set by the APHA CIT (Animal and Plant Health Agency, Centre for International Trade), such as requirement for the full 6 months quarantine etc.
Ensure you are in compliance with all regulations and have all the necessary import and export licenses, health certificates and correct vet appointments pre-booked, in all countries the animal will be moved through, before transporting any animals.
Importing Foxes into the UK
The Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other mammals) Order 1974 (as amended) requires that rabies susceptible animals (animals covered by Schedule 1, Part II of The Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974), such as foxes, are quarantined for four months on arrival into the UK:
It is possible to import some animals covered by the Order, into Zoos or Wildlife Parks without the need for quarantine, if certain conditions can be met. In order to decide if quarantine is necessary an application form (RM01), has been produced which, when completed fully, will enable a decision to be made:
Applications for import licences should be sent to the APHA CIT in Carlisle, no later than 4 weeks before the proposed import date. The CIT import team will then carry out a risk assessment based on the information contained in the RM01.
Import License Requirements:
If an exemption can be granted, a landing licence ID102 will be issued.
If quarantine is required, the importer will be notified by the CIT import team and a landing licence RM3 will be issued.
Importers in the United Kingdom with questions about UK import requirements may contact the UK government at:
Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Centre for International Trade - Carlisle
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DX
Tel: +44 (0) 3000 200 301 (option3, option 2, option 3)
Email: Imports@apha.gsi.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can contact the CITES Compliance Team:
Tel: +44 (0) 1173 723 700
Email: aphacomplianceteam@apha.gov.uk
Or you can also contact DEFRA:
Tel: +44 (0) 300 020 0301
Email: wit@apha.gov.uk (welfare), exports@apha.gov.uk (exports)
The animals must also be accompanied by a health certificate based on the model health certificate, completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) of the country of origin which states that a clinical examination was carried out by an authorised veterinarian 24 hours before the dispatch of the animals and that the animals were in good health and fit to travel.
UK Approved Quarantine Premises and Transport Carriers
Only a few quarantine facilities are authorised to quarantine "other mammals," which could include certain species such as foxes. Facilities that quarantine "other mammals" might technically have the capacity to handle foxes, but this would require confirmation from the facility and compliance with stringent regulations set by UK authorities.
UK Approved Quarantine Facilities for Foxes:
Airpets Ltd can quarantine cats, dogs, and other small mammals up to 50kg and has transportation capabilities for various species.
The Animal Inn offers quarantine for small mammals up to 20kg
London and Essex Kents Farm Kennels and Catteries offers quarantine for small mammals up to 5kg
Those seeking to import foxes would need to verify that the facilities can meet all necessary health, bio-security, and animal welfare requirements for foxes specifically, as well as having the available time and resources to quarantine imported foxes upon arrival.
Foxes that require quarantine would also be need to be transported by an authorised transport carrier. For a list of the facilities capable of transporting foxes from the airport to the quarantine facility, please visit the government website:
Ultimately, given that foxes fall under strict biosecurity and rabies prevention protocols, prospective importers should confirm directly with these facilities and consult with the APHA to confirm suitability and legal compliance.
What Happens to Foxes Imported Illegally?
UK border control is on high alert regarding the illegal importation of animals since the movement of animals due to the Ukraine crisis, and their protocols are strict, especially with foxes. Any fox that’s brought into the country illegally, must be quarantined, and faces the very real prospect of euthanasia.
Importing animals into the UK illegally, especially regarding rabies risks, carries significant legal consequences. These include potential fines up to £5,000, prison sentences, and – as mentioned above – the possibility of the animal being quarantined or even destroyed.
Why It’s a Risk Not Worth Taking
It’s vital to remember that the movement of wild animals across borders has ethical and legal implications far beyond the desire to rescue or rehome them.
Here’s the risks of importing foxes unlawfully:
Public Health Risks – Rabies and other zoonotic diseases can easily spread through unsanctioned animal imports, endangering both human and animal populations.
Animal Welfare – Imported foxes face a high risk of euthanasia, often in distressing conditions, if they’re found to have bypassed mandatory quarantine protocols.
Legal Consequences – Individuals found illegally importing animals face prosecution and substantial fines. And the impact on an organisations or individuals reputation attempting to rescue animals through non-lawful means can be devastating.
Stay Informed and Avoid Tragic Outcomes
The key Takeaway: Foxes cannot enter the UK on a pet passport and require strict licensing—failure to comply risks fines, quarantine, or euthanasia.
Attempting to bring foxes into the UK without proper clearance not only puts their lives at risk, but it can also undermine genuine efforts to help foxes through education, ethical conservation, and legal protections. Let’s focus on responsible advocacy that respects both animal welfare and public health.
For more details on travel and quarantine rules in the UK, refer to the government’s guidance on animal imports below.
