Pet Travel

Last updated 14th March 2021. It is your responsibility to check for the most up to date advice before you travel to the EU via the government website.

The UK government has confirmed that the UK will be a Part 2 listed third country for pet travel from January 1st 2021. This means that rabies antibody blood sampling is NOT required for travel to or from the UK if you are travelling to the EU and not an unlisted third country.

There are rules for Travelling to the EU and Returning to the UK

After 2300hrs GMT 31 December 2020
EU Pet Passports issued in the UK will no longer be valid for travel to the EU – this looks likely to be the case regardless of whether there is a “deal” or “no deal” situation.

Instead, your pet will need:

• Microchip
• Rabies Vaccine from 12 weeks of age
• Animal Health Certificate or AHC (filled out by an Official Veterinarian – we have several OV’s here)
• Tapeworm treatment if you are travelling to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway, or Malta between 1 and 5 days prior to arriving in those countries

Up to 5 animals may travel on a single AHC.

AHCs are only valid to enter the EU for 10 days. You may travel from 21 days after the rabies vaccination. In addition, you must specify which country you are entering the EU – you cannot change plans after this is issued. Once in the EU, the AHC is valid for 4 months for travel within the EU member states provided the rabies vaccine doesn’t lapse. AHCs are also valid for return to the UK for 4 months. If you return to the UK, then go back to the EU, your pet will need a new AHC as they are only valid for 10 days for entry into the EU.

Before 2300hrs GMT 31 December 2020
Again, there is no change to the pre-Brexit rules – you may return to the UK with a Pet Passport – you just need to have Tapeworm treatment given and signed off if you are travelling to the UK from a country NOT free from the Echinococcus tapeworm (anywhere other than Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway, or Malta between 1 and 5 days prior to arriving in the UK).
 
After 2300hrs GMT 31 December 2020
If you return after the New Year you need ONE of the following:

• A UK pet health certificate.
• An AHC issued in the UK within the last 4 months
• A valid Pet Passport (issued prior to 1st January 2021)

You will also need your pet to have Tapeworm treatment between 1 and 5 days prior to arrival (unless travelling from a country free from the Echinococcus tapeworm – Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway, or Malta)

You do NOT need this documentation if you are returning from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.