British pet owners travelling to the European Union have been warned against attempting to bypass expensive animal health certificates by using pet passports issued abroad. Experts say the ‘dodge’ could backfire and result in animals being refused entry at EU borders.
Before Brexit, taking a cat, dog or ferret to the EU was simpler under the Pet Travel Scheme, requiring only a microchip, rabies vaccination, a pet passport and, for dogs, tapeworm treatment. Since 2021, the process has become more cumbersome and costly, with the animal health certificate (AHC) replacing the passport. The AHC must be issued within 10 days of EU entry and is valid for four months for onward travel and re-entry to Great Britain.
Social media sites like Reddit and Facebook have seen reports of pet owners bypassing the AHC by obtaining an EU pet passport from a vet within the block, particularly among the motorhome and ‘van life’ community. Dr David Nicholl, a consultant neurologist from Worcestershire, secured an EU passport for his jack russell, Lily, in Belgium, noting it was much cheaper. However, he acknowledged the document does not show the owner’s address.
Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, senior vice-president of the British Veterinary Association, warned that EU pet passports are only for residents of the EU. “Any British residents trying to use this as a cheap or easy alternative should be aware of the risks of getting caught out,” she said. The European Commission confirmed that an EU pet passport issued to a Great Britain resident is no longer valid for travelling with pets from Great Britain to the EU, regardless of the owner’s nationality.
An AHC must be obtained from an official veterinarian in Great Britain for each entry. Costs vary, with some vets charging over £250, though prices near ports and the Channel Tunnel can be as low as £99 for one pet. The BVA noted that AHCs are more time-consuming for vets, which drives up costs for owners.
The Competition and Markets Authority is currently reviewing the situation, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
