As the festive season approaches, many pet owners are planning cross-border trips to visit family and friends. If you're traveling between the UK and the EU with your furry companion, it’s essential to understand the updated rules to ensure smooth and stress-free travel. Here's what you need to know about the latest regulations for traveling with pets between these regions.
Traveling from the UK to the EU
Since Brexit, the UK has been classified as a Part 2 listed country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which means the rules have changed. Pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before travel. Additionally, dogs entering certain EU countries like Finland, Ireland, and Malta will require tapeworm treatment.
An essential step for UK pet owners is obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an accredited vet. This certificate, which replaces the previous EU pet passport for UK pets, must be issued no more than 10 days before travel and is valid for a single entry into the EU and onward travel for up to four months. Fortunately, the rabies antibody test requirement, which was once suggested, has not been enforced, and pets with an up-to-date rabies vaccination and AHC are not subject to the three-month waiting period.
Traveling from the EU to the UK
For pets traveling into the UK from the EU, the requirements are straightforward. Pets must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. For first-time vaccinations, the rabies shot must be at least 21 days old, though no rabies antibody test is required.
If your pet has an EU-issued pet passport, it can be used for entry into the UK. Otherwise, an AHC must be obtained within 10 days of travel. Additionally, dogs entering the UK must receive tapeworm treatment, recorded in their pet passport or AHC.
Always check the latest government guidelines to ensure you're aware of any additional requirements, particularly for other pets like birds or rodents.