Pet Passports After Brexit: New Rules & Future Changes

Discover updated pet travel rules after Brexit. Learn about passports, vaccines, and upcoming changes for taking pets abroad from the UK.

Pet Passports After Brexit: 

Travelling with your pet used to be simple. Whether you had a dog, cat or even a dog, taking them with you across European borders did not involve much struggle. But since Brexit, things have changed, especially for pet owners in the UK. If you are planning to take your pet abroad, you now need to follow new rules, which include medical treatments, documents, and even tight deadlines. In this blog, we will explain the current rules for international pet travel from the UK, how Brexit has changed the process, and what changes might come in the future.

Pet Travel Situation Before Brexit:

Before Brexit, pet travel from the UK to the European Union was very easy. Pet owners could take their animals across borders with a simple pet passport. These passports were accepted across the EU and made travel stress-free.

There were no special checks when moving pets between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A pet passport would allow your pet to move freely. There was no need for extra medical tests or certificates. But after the UK left the EU, these pet passports became invalid for British residents.

Pet Travel Rules:

Pet travel regulations for residents of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) were altered following Brexit. A few crucial procedures must be followed if you wish to bring your pet into the EU or Northern Ireland right now:

1. Microchipping

Before anything else, your pet must be microchipped. This tiny chip under the skin helps to identify your pet and match them with their documents.

2. Rabies Vaccination

If your pet is at least 12 weeks old, it must get a rabies vaccination. This is to prevent the spread of the disease across countries.

3. Wait 21 Days

After the rabies jab, you must wait at least 21 days before moving to the next step.

4. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

You’ll need to get an AHC from a certified vet. This certificate proves that your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and microchipped.

• The certificate must be issued within 10 days before entering the EU or Northern Ireland.
• Each trip requires a new certificate.
• Vets charge around £200 per certificate.
• This certificate is valid for only one entry into the EU and is valid for four months for travel within the EU.

5. Tapeworm Treatment (For Dogs Only)

If you're travelling to Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway, your dog needs a tapeworm treatment. The treatment should be given between 1 and 5 days before entering these countries. The vet must record the treatment in the AHC or a valid EU pet passport. When you reach your EU destination, you must enter through a recognized point of entry. Travel officials will check and stamp your pet's paperwork. If everything is in order, your pet will be allowed to enter.

Returning to the UK with Your Pet:

The documents and treatments you used to travel from the UK to the EU are also used when returning to the UK. There’s no need for additional steps if the paperwork is still valid.

Problem with the Current Rules:

The biggest problem with the new pet travel system is the cost and complexity. The AHC is expensive, and it needs to be renewed for every trip. Some pet owners also find the process confusing and hard to complete. As Lindsay Mayor, the owner of a border terrier named Dusty, says: “The form itself is tricky and can be incorrectly completed, in which case you are not free to travel.” Many people now avoid travelling with their pets due to the high cost and complicated paperwork. This has affected both pet lovers and businesses in the travel and tourism industry.

Pet Freedom of Movement:

Interestingly, pets have an easier time than humans when it comes to European movement if they are registered in the EU. Some UK pet owners are registering their pets at EU addresses. This allows the pet to get an EU pet passport, which is more accepted and cheaper to maintain. With an EU passport, pets can travel more easily to the UK and other European countries. However, they may require more frequent rabies vaccinations compared to UK pets.

UK Government:

The UK government is hoping to negotiate a new agreement with the EU that will bring back the easy travel rules that existed before Brexit. The goal is to make UK pet passports valid in the EU again. This would allow British pets to travel without needing a new health certificate for every trip. This negotiation is part of a broader “Brexit reset” in which the UK wants to ease some travel restrictions that have caused problems for humans and animals.

Yes, there are some health risks when animals travel between countries especially if they are not properly vaccinated. However, the risks are small and manageable. The social and economic benefits of easier pet travel outweigh the risks. More people would feel comfortable travelling with their pets, and the travel industry would benefit from more bookings and happier customers.

Will Pet Travel Become Easier in the Future?

It is possible. The EU does not consider British pets to be a health threat, so there's room for negotiation. If the UK can reach an agreement with the EU, pet owners could enjoy:

• Lower costs
• Easier paperwork
• Fewer health-related treatments before travelling

Until then, UK pet owners must follow the current rules carefully to avoid travel delays or legal problems. Pet travel from the UK to the EU has become harder since Brexit, but it’s still possible with the right steps. You need to:

• Microchip your pet
• Give a rabies vaccination.
• Wait 21 days
• Get an animal health certificate (AHC)
• Treat your dog for tapeworm (if needed)
• Travel within 10 days of getting the AHC.
• Use approved entry points and follow the return steps.

While this might feel overwhelming, many pet lovers still take their furry friends on trips across Europe. With hope and negotiation, we may soon return to simpler and cheaper pet travel.