What are the rules for taking a pet to Europe post-Brexit?
Key Takeaways:
Pet passports are no longer issued in Great Britain and have been replaced with an animal health certificate (AHC)
EU residents and residents of Northern Ireland can still get pet passports, and use these for travel to Great Britain
From June 2025 pets can travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with a free lifelong pet travel document
Pets can only travel if they have been microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination
What are pet passports?
Pet passports facilitate the international travel of pets. They contain essential information about the pet, such as its date of birth, microchip number, and a detailed description. Most importantly, they include a record of vaccinations, with a particular emphasis on rabies, to prove the pet is fit to travel. These passports also include information about the owner, which could help authorities if the pet goes missing.
The European Union (EU) has a pet passport scheme that makes it relatively easy for pet owners to take up to 5 dogs, cats and ferrets between its member countries, and also to Norway and Northern Ireland. Pet passports are only suitable for non-commercial animal travel. You could not use them to take a pet abroad to sell it.
When the UK left the EU, England, Scotland and Wales also left the pet passport scheme. All UK-issued pet passports became invalid in 2021.
Can I get a pet passport post-Brexit?
No, residents of England, Scotland and Wales can no longer get pet passports for the EU.
Residents of EU countries and Northern Ireland can still get pet passports, and use these documents to bring their dogs, cats and ferrets into Great Britain.
Can I travel with my pet to the EU?
Yes, but it is more difficult and expensive than it was pre-Brexit. Instead of a pet passport you will need an animal health certificate (AHC) for your pet. You must also enter the country through specific Travellers' Points of Entry.
The owner of the animal must arrive in the country within 5 days of their pet travelling there. (If you wanted to travel later, you'd need an export health certificate).
Can I travel with my pet to Northern Ireland?
Yes - and it will be easier to do so from June 2025.
After Brexit the rules for travelling with a pet from Great Britain to Northern Ireland were the same as those for travelling from Great Britain to EU countries. But from 4th June 2025, residents of Great Britain can take dogs, cats and ferrets into Northern Ireland using a lifelong pet travel document rather than an animal health certificate. This document is free of charge and lasts for the lifetime of your pet.
How do I 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 can help you find one. The certificate must be obtained no more than 10 days before travel.
You can add up to 5 cats, dogs and ferrets to a single certificate.
Individual countries may have additional requirements. You might need extra vaccinations, a rabies blood test, and pet insurance to avoid any type of quarantine period when you arrive at your destination.
How long is an animal health certificates valid for?
Once your pet arrives in Europe, the animal health certificate is valid for four months and can be used for onward travel within the EU and one return to Great Britain.
Each animal health certificate is only valid for one trip to the EU from Great Britain.
How much do animal health certificates cost?
The average cost of an animal health certificate is £230.40[1], and you will need one for your pet each time they travel from Great Britain to the EU.
Other pet travel costs include microchipping (average cost: £25[2]), rabies vaccination (£102[1]), and tapeworm treatment (£40-£50[1]).
What medical requirements are there for pet travel?
Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccine in order to travel. Ensure the microchip number is correctly listed on your pet’s animal health certificate to avoid any travel disruptions.
(Microchipping your pet dog or cat is also a general legal requirement in the UK.)
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.
You must then wait for immunisation to develop. This waiting period is 21 days after the jab.
You must also get regular rabies boosters for your pet to keep the vaccination valid for travel. There is no waiting period required after booster jabs.
A dog must receive tapeworm treatment from a vet before it can travel directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta. The vet must record the treatment in your animal health certificate.
The treatment must be given to your pet no more than 120 hours (5 days) before it travels, and no less than 24 hours before it enters the new country. The medicine must contain praziquantel or equivalent.
Some transport companies will not take animals unless you have a statement from a vet confirming that your pet is fit for travel.
Microchipping
Rabies vaccination
Tapeworm treatments (dogs only)
Fit for travel vet statement
Can I take my pet into Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland?
Yes. Cats, dogs and ferrets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland can still use their EU-issued pet passports.
Can I travel with my pets to non-EU countries?
Yes, but it can be difficult and expensive. If you're a resident of England, Scotland or Wales you'll need to fill out an export application form (ECA) and get an export health certificate (EHC). There are different requirement depending on the type of animal you want to take and the country you want to take it to.
Protect yourself and your pet with pet insurance
Travelling with pets can bring unexpected 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. Our policies start from just £6.56[3] a month.
