British tourists have been warned that beloved dogs, cats and ferrets could be turned away at the border as new post-Brexit rules make EU passports invalid – here’s what you need to know
New EU rules could see beloved pets turned away at the border from tomorrow – and there’ll be big changes to what you need to do before taking four-legged friends on holiday.
Anyone travelling into the European Union with pet dogs, cats and ferrets from England, Scotland or Wales can no longer use EU pet passports under post-Brexit arrangements which come in to force on Wednesday.
Until now, people taking their pets abroad – whether by plane, train, ferry or car – could use an EU Pet Passport, even after Brexit.
But EU Regulation 2016/429, known as the Animal Health Law, comes into force this week after a 10-year transition, and means these pet passports will no longer be valid.
Instead, there’s a different document you’ll need to get sorted before you go on holiday. Here’s what you need to know:
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You now need an animal health certificate for every trip
The changes mean that anyone travelling from Great Britain to an EU country with a pet will now need to get an animal health certificate (AHC) before they set off.
Travellers will need to get a vet to issue an AHC within 10 days of their trip. A new certificate will be needed for each trip from Britain to the EU.
The AHC can be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for reentering Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations are still valid.
The GOV.UK website, which says the rules also apply to assistance dogs, states: “If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, from 22 April you cannot use a pet passport (even if it was issued in the EU). If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.”
Holiday home owners will not be issued EU pet passports
Pet passports are now only to be issued to people whose main base is in the EU, and not to holiday home owners or seasonal visitors. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said individual member states may have specific pet travel requirements and owners should always check the entry details before travelling. British-based travellers can still use EU pet passports for their return journey back home.
Five pet limit and other rules to remember
The switch to the AHC from the EU pet passport means:
- Extra paperwork will be needed if the owner is not travelling with their pet.
- Whoever is taking the animal abroad must have written permission from the owner.
- Up to five days are allowed before the pet and owner must travel abroad.
- Travellers are now also only allowed to have a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle.
There may be exceptions given for pets travelling to competitions, events or training.
Holidays with pets ‘still possible’
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said “holidays with your pets are still possible” despite the new rules. An APHA spokesman said: “Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on Welcome to GOV.UK , and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they are travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
