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Pet passports

All you need to know about pet passports

Lauren Chong
Written by  Lauren Chong
Saarrah Mussa
Reviewed by  Saarrah Mussa
8 min read
Updated: 10 Jul 2024

Brexit has affected what documents you’ll need when travelling with your pet. Our guide explains the changes to pet passports and what to do when travelling with your dog, cat or ferret…

Key Takeaways:

  • Pet passports are no longer issued in Great Britain it has been replaced with an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead.

  • To obtain an AHC, you'll need your pet to be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination, and potentially receive tapeworm treatment (for dogs).

  • The specific requirements may vary depending on the destination country within the EU or Northern Ireland.

  • Contact your veterinarian or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for the latest information and guidance on obtaining an AHC for your pet's travel to the EU or Northern Ireland.

Travelling with pets has always been somewhat confusing for pet owners. The introduction of pet passports made the process simple, allowing furry friends to accompany their owners across borders with relative ease.

However, travelling with your pet became more complicated in the wake of Brexit. In this guide, we discuss the process of obtaining pet passports to help you travel with your pet without the hassle.

Family on beach with their dog

What are pet passports?

Originally, pet passports were similar to human passports and facilitated the international travel of pets. They contained essential information about the pet, such as its date of birth, microchip number, and a detailed description.

Most importantly, they included a record of vaccinations, with a particular emphasis on rabies, to prove the pet was fit to travel. These passports also included information about the owner, which could help authorities if the pet goes missing.

Taking your pet abroad post-Brexit

After Brexit, the rules for pet travel changed. Pet passports issued in Great Britain (England, Wales or Scotland) are no longer valid for entry into EU countries or Northern Ireland and have been replaced by animal health certificates. Pet passports are no longer issued in Great Britain for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

How to get an animal health certificate

To secure an animal health certificate, you need to visit a licensed veterinarian who is authorised to issue one. If your local vet doesn't provide this service, the Animal and Plant Health Agency is your next point of contact.

The certificate must be obtained no more than 10 days before travel and is only valid for one trip to the EU from Great Britain.

While official pet passports are no longer valid for travel outside of the UK, you will still need documentation to take your pet abroad. An animal health certificate is likely to cost upwards of £100, and you will need one for your pet each time they travel from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland.

Once in Europe, they are valid for four months for onward travel within the EU and return to the UK. Other pet passport costs include microchipping (£0-£20), rabies vaccination (£15-£60), and tapeworm treatment (£20-£30). Each country has its requirements so you might also need additional vaccinations, a rabies blood test, and pet insurance to avoid any type of quarantine period when you arrive at your destination.

Microchipping

Microchipping your pet dog or cat is now a legal requirement in the UK.

A microchip is a fundamental requirement for pet travel. Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccine. Ensure the microchip number is correctly listed on your pet’s animal health certificate to avoid any travel disruptions.

Rabies vaccination

For your pet (dog, cat, or ferret) to join you on holiday, you'll need to provide proof of rabies vaccination. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they're vaccinated against rabies. A yearly booster is also required to keep the vaccination valid for travel.

Travelling to and from Great Britain

Pets entering Great Britain from the EU can still use their EU-issued pet passports. However, for pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland, an animal health certificate is mandatory. When returning, make sure your pet's documentation is in order, as the certificate is valid for return within four months.

Prepare for the unexpected with pet insurance

Travelling with pets can bring unexpected vet bills, and it's wise to check if your pet insurance policy covers international travel. You may need to pay an additional premium or secure a new policy to ensure your pet is covered abroad. MoneySuperMarket can help you compare pet insurance quotes and find the best deal for your needs.

Travelling with pets post-Brexit requires extra planning and understanding of the new regulations. By staying informed and preparing the necessary documentation, you can ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet. Remember, the joy of exploring new destinations with your furry friend by your side is worth the extra steps. Safe travels!

To get an export health certificate, you will need to apply online for a certificate and then get your vet to sign it. They’ll then check that your pet meets the health and identification requirements to be fit for travel outside of the EU. You’ll need an EHC for each type of animal or animal product you’re exporting from Great Britain.

Other rules apply if you plan to transfer ownership of your pet, if your pet is arriving more than 5 days after you, or if you're bringing more than five animals. For more information about bringing pets into Great Britain, you can read the Gov.uk guidelines.

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