Travelling With Your Pet

Post Brexit travel guide

The rules for taking pets to Europe changed on 1st January 2021. UK pet passports are no longer valid for travel into the EU. Instead, an Animal Health Certificate, issued by one of our Official Vets, is now required for each trip to the EU, unless your animal already has a valid non-UK EU passport, issued in an EU country.

Summary

Requirements for travel from GB to the EU or NI:

  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel/certification)
  • Animal Health Certificate no more than 10 days before travel (or a valid non-UK EU passport)
  • Tapeworm treatment if travelling to Finland, Northern Ireland, Ireland or Malta (to be given and certified by a veterinarian 24-120 hours before entry to EU/NI)
  • Entry must be through a Traveller’s Point of Entry

Requirements for travelling back to GB

  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel/certification)
  • Animal Health Certificate that was used to exit GB can be used to come back within 4 months
    • Or UK passport supplied before 31/12/2020
    • Or EU passport issued in the EU
  • Tapeworm treatment unless travelling from Finland, Northern Ireland, Ireland or Malta (to be given and certified in the original AHC or the valid passport by a veterinarian 24-120 hours before entry to GB)
  • You must enter GB via an Approved Route (except for assistance dogs)

Please remember, it is the responsibility of the owner (or persons transporting the pets) to know the requirements of travel for all countries travelled to and through, not your veterinary practice. We can provide guidance where appropriate, and complete the appointments for rabies vaccinations, certification, tapeworm treatments and any other necessary health checks you require. You must bring all the supporting documents and information we request in order to complete these appointments correctly, otherwise we may not be able to provide you with certification.

When travelling with a pet, remember there are animal diseases in other countries that are not found in UK. Many of these can cause serious illness and your pet will need protection against them. Please contact us for advice on this important matter before you go.