Brexit changed many things when it came to travelling to Europe from the UK – not least the look and feel of our new passports.
But it wasn’t only humans who were facing changes. Our pets too – dogs, cats and ferrets – also had passport changes. In fact, they no longer have a passport, as far as European countries are concerned. Instead, they need an Animal Health Certificate. The only exception is Northern Ireland which still accepts pet passports (as well as the new documentation outlined below).
The changes can be confusing if you plan on taking your furry friends abroad – either temporarily or permanently – and that’s why we’ve attempted to outline them in this article. Read on to find out the new rules that will apply you and your fur family next time you all fancy a trip overseas.
Different countries and different rules
As you can imagine, the rules for travelling with pets varies between countries. Some areas, such as all countries in the EU insist that your pet is microchipped, has had a rabies vaccination and that you can produce an Animal Health Certificate for him or her.
This is the same for Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway and Malta, with the addition of tapeworm treatment for dogs.
For other non-EU countries, it is necessary to have an Export Health Certificate, Export Application form, and documentation, including your plane or ferry tickets and confirmation of booking.
It is worth mentioning here that you can still use your old pet passport to prove your animal has had a rabies vaccination – if this was given before 1 Jan 2021 and is still valid.
What is an Animal Health Certificate?
From January 1, 2021, the pet passport issued in GB (England, Scotland and Wales) was no longer valid. Instead pet owners wishing to travel with their pets abroad were obliged to go to a vet approved by the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) and get him or her to check the animal’s health and issue an Animal Health Certificate.
How much this costs depends on the vet practice, with prices ranging from £100 up to £200. And that’s only for the consultation and documents. If your animal needs a microchip, vaccination or medication then you will pay extra for these.
The Certificate is valid for 10 days after the health check and for up to four months if travelling onwards, including the return back to GB. It must be issued in both English and the language of the country/ies you intend to travel with the pets to.
Once the Animal Health Certificate is issued you can’t change the country of entry through which you are accessing Europe. As with the pet passports, your animals must enter the EU via a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE) into that particular country.
What is an Export Health Certificate?
Required when taking a pet abroad to a non-EU country, such as Dubai, Australia, America etc, an Export Health Certificate also needs to be signed by either an official vet or a local authority inspector.
If you’re moving abroad permanently and planning to take your pet/s with you then the documents may require legalisation by a notary, such as ourselves. We can witness your signature and help arrange an apostille stamp or consular legalisation. What you will require to have done legally depends on the country you are moving to so it’s necessary to check beforehand to keep yourself right.
Some pet travel documents will come from the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and others the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Your vet will be able to advise on what you’ll need provided you talk to them several months before you plan to embark. Advisers at the Pet Travel Scheme can also answer your questions. Their dedicated helpline is 0370 241 1710 or you can email them via pettravel@apha.gov.uk.
What about small animals?
The Animal Health Certificate applies only to dogs, cats and ferrets. Reptiles, birds and rodents will have different rules and which will vary from country to country.
These rules will also cover how many pets you can take abroad ie if it’s more than five then you may be refused (unless it’s for a pet competition or official pet exhibition etc).
Rules on your pet returning to Great Britain
The rules are similar for re-entering Britain ie dogs, cats and ferrets need an Animal Health Certificate, microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment if required. Failure to get the right checks could mean your animal taken into quarantine for up to four months.
