Pet Passports Are No Longer Valid For Travel To The EU
As the UK has now left the EU, UK issued Pet Passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU.
Here is a summary of the key changes. We will be publishing more detailed advice on our website in the next few months.
Animal Health Certificates
The UK has been classed as a part 2 listed country; this means that your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian, a maximum of 10 days before travel.
Each AHC is is for use for a single trip into the EU and is valid for 4 months of onward travel within EU member states. Once the AHC has been issued it is valid for a maximum of 10 days to use for entry into the EU. You can register up to 5 animals on each certificate.
For re-entry into the UK you can either use your UK issued EU passport (it must be kept updated for this to be possible) or a valid AHC.
Key Requirements For Travel To The EU
1. Ensure your pet has been microchipped and also vaccinated against rabies.
If your pet requires a rabies vaccination, they will not be eligible for travel until 21 days clear after the vaccination is given.
2. Provide us with details for your pet’s Animal Health Certificate.
We will be rolling out an online form to make the process easier in due course, meanwhile you can pick up a form at reception or have one emailed to you.
Each AHC needs to be prepared with this information before it is ready to be issued.
3. Book your pet in for an appointment in order for a vet to confirm their microchip number, complete the paperwork and officially issue the certificate.
This appointment must be a maximum of 10 days before travel.
4. Once your certificate is issued it can be used for entry into the EU.
It can only be used for a single trip, so you will need a new certificate each time if you regularly travel to the EU with your pet.
For travel to countries outside the EU, different rules apply.
We will be updating our website with more information in due course, please feel free to call the practice on 01435 864422 if you have any questions.
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care With A Friendly Face
