Pet Travel in Europe – Post Brexit

Travelling in Europe in the transition period

For those precious pet owners with passports, nothing has changed since Brexit regarding pet travel for 2020. As before, your pet will need:

• Microchip
• A rabies vaccination that must be given at least 21 days before your trip
• EU passport as the ones currently issued by OVs (Official Veterinarians)
• Tapeworm treatment administered 1-5 days before travel (If required)

Travelling in Europe in post transition period

However, from January 2021 onwards, pet travel laws are likely to change and your pet’s existing passport may no longer be recognised for travel. Your pet may need to undergo additional requirements before setting off on their next family trip. These documents could take time to prepare so if you are planning to travel early next year, we would recommend you begin the process as early as you can.

The brilliant news is that very many of our vets are Official Veterinarians and they are qualified to issue passports, to perform blood tests and sign all the documents that you will need when travelling abroad. Please find below our quick guide to what you may need to do prior to travelling in Europe in 2021:

1. Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before you travel,
2. A blood sample will need to be taken at least 30 days after your pet’s last rabies vaccination,

• • The blood test must be performed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) and the results might take up to 20 working days. The blood test costs around £180.
  • If the blood test is positive, you need to wait at least 3 months to be able to travel
  • After that time, your OV will be able to issue you with a Single-Use ‘Animal Health Certificate’ (AHC).
  • The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) will give you a 10-day window in which you can enter the EU. You may then travel within the EU for up to 4 months before you need to return to the UK.

3. Your pet will also need tapeworm treatment administered by your OV between 1-5 days before travel (if required).
4. Re-entry to the UK will require either an EU PETS passport (such as the ones currently issued) or the AHC issued by your OV on departure.
5. Your dog will still need to receive a tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before landing back on UK soil.
6. Please note that you will need a New Animal Health Certificate every time your pet leaves the UK.