Brexit and Your Pet
Has the Pet Travel Scheme changed following Brexit?
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Yes.
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A Pet Passport alone is now no longer enough, as you won’t be allowed to enter the EU with just a Pet Passport.
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You’ll need an additional document – an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
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An AHC must be issued by a vet in the UK within 10 DAYS of travel to the EU.
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Your AHC is then valid for re-entry to the UK for up to 4 months from the date of issue – essentially replacing the Pet Passport for trips of 4 months or less.
Can I still use my Pet Passport / should I keep it?
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We would advise keeping it, although for most trips it won’t be needed as the AHC will replace the need for it.
Do I still need to meet the previous requirements (microchipping / rabies vaccine / worming)?
All other requirements remain the same:
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Your pet must be microchipped
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A rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel
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Your dog must be treated against tapeworm before travelling back to the UK.
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Treatment must be administered by a vet in the EU not less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the dog's scheduled arrival time in the UK.
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Treatment date and time must be recorded by the vet in the pet’s documentation.
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Tapeworm treatment must be contain Praziquantel to be effective against Echinococcus tapeworm
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Trips longer than 4 months or travelling between EU countries:
What if I’m travelling between EU countries or coming back after 4 months?
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If you are planning to stay in the EU for longer than 4 months, then you either need a Pet Passport (issued in the UK or the EU), or:
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A GB Pet Health Certificate, issued by a vet in the EU with 10 DAYS of return to the EU.
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Looking at the options (between a Pet Passport or a GB Pet Health Certificate), a Pet Passport seems the better choice as it allows unlimited trips to re-enter the UK and allows travel between EU countries
Can I still get a Pet Passport in the UK?
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No – vets in the UK can no longer issue Pet Passports now, we can only issue AHCs.
Where can I get a Pet Passport now?
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Vets in the EU should be able to issue a Pet Passport.
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You should enquire with a veterinary clinic in the EU country you wish to reside in or travel from.