British holidaymakers face new travel rules that make pet passports invalid after an EU crackdown. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that pet owners can no longer use pet passports obtained by vets, unless they live in Europe full-time.
New Rules Come into Force
Under the rules that come into force today, anyone travelling into the EU with a pet will need new documents, which cost up to £350 per trip. Following Brexit, the UK has not been part of the pet passport scheme, but frequent travellers and those with second homes in Europe found a loophole that allows them to obtain the documents from overseas vets.
The pet passports used to take animals to Europe or Northern Ireland are valid for life, meaning owners can avoid obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). However, the new rule change closes that loophole, and anyone now travelling from Great Britain to an EU country with a pet will need to get an AHC before they set off.
Requirements for Animal Health Certificates
Travellers will need to get a vet to issue an AHC within 10 days of their trip, and 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 re-entering Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations are still valid. Costs for an AHC range from £150 to £350 and include a microchip, a rabies vaccination and form issuance by a vet.
Under the new rules, EU pet passports are now only to be issued to people whose main base is in Europe and not to holiday home owners or seasonal visitors. 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."
Guidance from Authorities
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said "holidays with your pets are still possible" despite the new EU rules changes. An APHA spokesman said: "Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on 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."
The documents can only be issued for dogs if they're treated for tapeworms at least five days before going on holiday with their owners. While dogs, cats and ferrets must also be vaccinated for rabies, they must wait at least three weeks after the first jab ahead of travelling. Defra said individual member states may have specific pet travel requirements, and owners should always check the entry details before travelling.
Additional Considerations
British-based travellers can still use EU pet passports for their return journey back home. The Government is updating its guidance to pet owners in light of the new EU regulations. Extra paperwork will also be needed if the owner is not travelling with their pet, with whoever is taking the animal abroad needing 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 an exception for pets travelling to competitions, events or training.
