Travelling to an EU Country With your Pet

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) comprising The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is an Part 2 listed third country in the EU Pet Travel Scheme since 1 January 2021, which is the day on which Great Britain left the European Union (EU).

This means that the current pet passports are not valid anymore. There are also some changes to travel in Northern Ireland with your pet. Learn our tips and be well-prepared.

The journey in an EU country, or Northern Ireland

Because of Great Britain becoming a Part 2 listed third country, any pet passport issued within Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) is no longer valid. Instead, you will require the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to travel within and within in the EU and Northern Ireland. A valid AHC is also required to traveling from UK towards Northern Ireland. The AHC is valid only for one trip. It is possible to add up to five animals to earn an AHC.

Your pet may also need:

A microchip
A valid rabies vaccination
Treatment for tapeworms

These rules also apply to dogs that assist.

Check the regulations of the country you’re traveling to for any additional restrictions or rules before traveling.
Can my existing UK issue pet passport still be valid?

The pet passport that you have currently issued within Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) is not valid for travel within or within in the EU as well as Northern Ireland after 31st December 2020.

If you intend traveling with your animal post the 1st January 2021 date then you must discuss with your vet getting an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). It is required to apply for this at least 10 days before your departure date.

What should I do if I’m returning to or going to the UK?

You may travel to the United Kingdom or go back Great Britain with your pet dog, cat or ferret, if:

It has been microchipped
Pet passports (travel to in the UK for only) or health certification (AHC) is issued by the UK (valid for 4 months from the date of the issue)
Is vaccinated against the rabies virus and will require to undergo a blood test if you are from a country not listed on the official government website.
The passport is an EU passport (issued within the EU or the UK on or before January 1st, 2021)
The document is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued in the UK (valid for 4 months from the date of the issue)
An UK Pet Health Certificate (for travel to the UK only)

Also, dogs need to be treated for tapeworms by veterinarian. The treatment must be approved in the country it is administered and must be administered for at least 24 hours, and no longer than five days prior to entry into the UK.

There is no need be treating your dog’s tapeworms when you’re traveling to Finland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway. Certain rules are applicable to shorter trips, and include the treatment prior to depart.

Your pet can be put in quarantine for a period of as long as four months if you don’t comply with these rules.

There are additional rules to follow for animals that are to be rehomed or sold within Great Britain. You can find out more on the website of the government.
What should I do?

If you plan to traveling with your pet, you must be aware of the requirements for the future and prepare for the future. Be aware of the following guidelines:

The conditions to be a Part 2 listed third country:

Your cat, dog or ferret should be microchipped.
Your pet should be older than 12 weeks old.
Your pet should be vaccinated against the rabies virus (your pet should reach the age of at least 12 weeks old age to receive the vaccination).
An AHC can be obtained by your veterinarian three weeks after your initial Rabies vaccination.
An AHC is valid only for travel within Northern Ireland or the EU as well as Northern Ireland for 10 days following the date it was issued.
An AHC is issued only by an “Official Vet” (OV). Every clinic has access to an OV. Please call to schedule an appointment as far ahead as you can so that we can ensure that an OV is on hand.
You’ll need a brand new AHC for every trip you travel on, unlike a pet passport , the AHC isn’t valid for multiple purposes.
Once you’ve been admitted to into the EU as well as Northern Ireland, the AHC is valid for 4 months (after when it was issued) the issue) and allows you to travel between EU member countries (not in the UK) on the same travel. Then, it is allowed to enter back to the UK.
Ferrets may be able to spread new COVID-19 variants. In the event that you transport a ferret into England from outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man It is advised to be sure to keep it from other ferrets as well as other animals within your household for 21 days.

The steps above suggest that you need to begin planning at least three weeks prior to the date your departure. If you can, we suggest a longer time to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The certificate of your pet’s health will be valid for a period of time following the date it is issued:

10 days to enter Northern Ireland or the EU (or Northern Ireland
4 months for travel within the EU
4 months for re-entry into Great Britain

If you have any questions, please contact your local vet clinic and they’ll be able to guide you on the steps you should take. make appointments so that your travel plans won’t be disrupted.

How else will I have to be aware of?

AHC is now required to travel. AHC will now be required for be able to travel in Northern Ireland. In the past, there was no need to carry a pet passport while traveling into Northern Ireland – this changes on January 1st, 2021.
There’s no need to undergo a blood test following the vaccination against rabies. However, the fact you must have an AHC for every trip indicates it is essential to keep your rabies vaccines up to date. If you lose your rabies vaccine it is necessary to restart and wait for 21 days before receiving the AHC.
If you’re travelling and have more than five animals, different guidelines apply. You should consult your veterinarian.
Certain EU countries may require that your pet to undergo an treatment for tapeworms. This includes Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. Talk to your vet and always make sure to check before you travel.