PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Relax Restrictions on Pets travelling with their Owners from the Middle East
We call on the Government to temporarily suspend UK pet import regulations, so citizens fleeing the conflict in the Middle East can return to the UK with their cats and dogs immediately.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
8
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 8/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 8/100,000
Background
Due to the war, people fleeing the conflict are abandoning pets in their thousands, which has caused a crisis for animal shelters and charities.
Current legislation means it can be 4 months before a pet can travel, causing this situation.
The French Ministry of Agriculture has waived its strict regulations on importing cats and dogs until 30th April; a temporary emergency procedure.
We urge the UK government to follow suit, and to have empathy on those who see their pets as part of the family.