Important Information for Owners of Imported or Travelled Dogs
Please read carefully before registering your pet!
At Selsdon Veterinary Surgery, the health and safety of our patients, clients, and team are extremely important to us.
If you have recently acquired a dog from abroad, or your dog has travelled to or from certain countries, we are required to follow additional safety procedures before we can fully register them with our practices.
This relates specifically to a condition called Canine Brucellosis.
Brucellosis in dogs
CANINE BRUCELLOSIS
Canine Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Brucella canis. It spreads easily between dogs and, importantly, it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can also infect people.
While human infection is uncommon, those most at risk include:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune
systems ​
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Brucellosis can have a long incubation period, meaning dogs may appear healthy but still carry the infection.
Blood testing helps us reduce the risk of spread to:
-
Other animals
-
Our veterinary team
-
You and your family
Because antibodies can take several weeks to develop, testing is most reliable three months after arrival into the UK.
​
For dogs recently arriving in the UK, we strongly recommend:
-
Avoiding public walks and dog-to-dog contact
-
Restricting exercise to your own garden only
-
Minimising close contact with vulnerable people until testing is complete
These precautions should remain in place until a reliable negative Brucellosis test is confirmed.
IMPORTED DOGS
This policy applies if your dog has been imported from, or has travelled to or from, certain regions, including but not limited to:
-
Many European countries (including Spain, Portugal, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, and others)
-
Canada, USA
-
The Middle East
-
Parts of Asia
-
Parts of Africa
If you are unsure whether your dog is affected, please contact our reception team for advice.
TREATMENT DURING INITIAL PERIOD
Until your dog has:
-
Been in the UK for more than 3 months and
-
Returned a negative Brucellosis test after that period
We are only able to provide emergency treatment.
Routine procedures (such as vaccinations, neutering, or elective surgery) cannot be carried out during this time. If emergency treatment is needed, additional protective measures will be required, and this may incur additional charges.
​
To register your dog at Selsdon Veterinary Surgery, you will need to agree to the terms outlined above.
If you choose not to proceed under these conditions, we unfortunately will not be able to register your pet and would advise seeking veterinary care elsewhere.
TESTING PROCEDURES
-
If your dog has been in the UK for less than 3 months, we will arrange a Brucellosis blood test.
-
You will be asked to wait outside with your dog until called in.
-
Our team will wear appropriate protective equipment when handling your dog.
-
The blood sample will be sent to an external laboratory.
​
-
Results will be communicated to you by telephone.
-
If the first test is negative and your dog has been in the UK for less than 3 months, a second test will be required at 3 months post-arrival, also at a cost of £135.
-
If your dog has already been in the UK for more than 3 months, only one test is required.​
GOV UK GUIDELINES
Due to a rise in cases in recent years, particularly linked to dogs imported into the UK, UK public health authorities and the veterinary profession have introduced stricter guidance.
Many veterinary practices and referral centres across the country now follow similar policies.
For further official information, click the button below!