The European Union has tightened its regulations on pet passports, effectively closing a loophole that allowed many British residents to obtain EU passports for their cats, dogs, and ferrets. This change means increased paperwork and costs for pet owners in Great Britain who wish to travel to the Continent or the island of Ireland.
Background of the Loophole
Until recently, tens of thousands of UK residents had secured EU pet passports for their animals, simplifying and reducing the cost of travel to the EU. However, Brussels has now cracked down on this practice, targeting pet owners living in Britain who previously used EU passports. The UK government now advises that EU pet passports can only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Union.
British residents traveling to the EU with a pet dog, cat, or ferret must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Some pet owners have expressed frustration over the lack of notice regarding this change.
How Did British Pets Get EU Passports?
Before 2021, when the UK fully left the EU, all pets could have an EU passport. The Brexit agreement made it more difficult to take pets outside Great Britain, though Northern Ireland pets continue to follow easier EU rules. Many British pet owners, especially those with second homes in France, Spain, or Italy, had been able to persuade local vets to issue EU passports, making travel cheaper and simpler.
The new European law states: "Pet passports are not intended to be issued to pet dogs, pet cats or pet ferrets which are kept by pet owners who have their main residence outside the Union and reside only temporarily or seasonally in the Union. The pet passport is only intended to be issued to pet dogs, pet cats or pet ferrets kept in the member state where their pet owners reside habitually and have their main residence."
Current Rules for Taking Pets to the EU
Pet owners must now follow a strict process: microchip the pet, ensure it is at least 12 weeks old, and administer a rabies vaccination. At least three weeks must pass between the vaccination and travel. For each journey, an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required, confirming microchipping and vaccination. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of entry to the EU or Northern Ireland, and vets typically charge around £200 per certificate. A new AHC is needed for each trip, and the maximum validity for re-entry to Great Britain is four months, though UK passport holders are limited to 90 days in the EU anyway. For dogs traveling to Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Finland, as well as those returning to the UK, tapeworm treatment must be administered between one and five days before travel.
Veterinary Perspective
Guy Smith of the specialist firm PassPets commented: "We’ve seen a significant increase in enquiries over the past few days, particularly from people due to travel imminently who weren’t aware of the change. We’re doing our best to accommodate these last-minute AHC appointments. The short notice of these changes feels unfair on pet owners – I’d expect some disruption at the border as a result."
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