Hi Mickey,

We live in Normandy France and last year my mum decided it would be an idea for us to have her African grey for her as it would mean that she would be free to visit us as often as she wanted without the hassle of finding someone to look after the parrot for her. It also meant she would still get to see her often.

All we had to do was to get a health certifiicate for our parrot and an export certificate.

We basically contacted DEFRA, I rang them up 0870 241 1710.
You will probably get passed around a few people before you get to the right one. Basically they will pass you through to a department who will tell you the nearest vets to you that can do this.

They will send the export forms out to you, to be filled in with the dates you wish to leave the UK with your parrots and the details of the vets etc... they then need to be sent back to DEFRA if I remember correctly. They then send the necessary paperwork to the vets in question.

There is a time limit in which you must travel within once the paperwork is fully completed by the vets. In your case if you plan to travel through France to Spain, there shouldn't be a problem but mention this when you speak to Defra on the phone.


I hope I helped a little bit.

Serin NPS