Pet owners in the UK must now adhere to updated regulations when travelling with their dogs to European Union countries. The changes, introduced post-Brexit, require additional documentation and health checks to ensure compliance with EU animal health laws.
Key Changes for Pet Travel
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, pets travelling from Britain to EU nations must meet stricter requirements:
- Rabies vaccination: Dogs must be vaccinated at least 21 days before travel.
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC): A vet-issued AHC is now mandatory, replacing the previous pet passport system.
- Tapeworm treatment: Dogs must be treated for tapeworm 1-5 days before entering certain EU countries.
What Pet Owners Need to Do
To avoid delays or denied entry, follow these steps:
- Book a vet appointment at least one month before travel.
- Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up to date.
- Obtain an AHC no more than 10 days before departure.
- Check specific entry rules for your destination country.
Returning to the UK
When coming back to Britain, pets must have:
- A valid AHC or EU pet passport.
- Proof of rabies vaccination.
- Tapeworm treatment if required.
The new rules apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Owners are advised to plan well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
