What Impact Could Brexit Have On Pet Travel?
Please be aware this article has been updated on 15th June 2020. It is for information only, and is subject to change as the situation progresses.
Unfortunately, we are not much closer to knowing the status of pet travel after the 31st December 2020, at the end of the transition period, than we were when Article 50 was originally triggered for us to leave the European Union. The British Veterinary Association is putting pressure on the Government to clarify the situation, but as it stands we still do not know what the UK’s status will be. Whether we become a Part 1 Listed country, a Part 2 Listed country or an unlisted country has a significant impact on the requirements that will be needed for your pet to be able to travel with you next year.
Please see below for the potential requirements, and our advice.
Are you planning to go abroad after 31st December 2020?
If you plan to go abroad with your pet in the first four months after Britain’s exit from the European Union, we would recommend taking additional steps to ensure your pet can travel with you, and to do this means additional tests and paperwork to reduce the risk of your travel plans being disrupted.
Planning to take your pet abroad? Please read on for more information and give us a call to book in for a Travel Clinic – 01435 864422.
Brexit and its effects on The Pet Travel Scheme
When Britain leaves the EU on 31 December 2020 there are three potential outcomes for the UK to be ‘listed’ with regard to pets travelling abroad. Each of these options has different consequences for your pets, so it is worth considering their impact on your travel plans.
Potential Outcome 1
The UK becomes a Part 1 listed country
In this situation, the Pet Travel Scheme will remain largely as it is currently, with some small amendments. The following are the current rules, and will be familiar to those who have taken their pet abroad under the scheme already:
- Pets need to be microchipped
- Pets need to have their rabies vaccination at least 21 days before the date of travel
- Pets need to be dewormed per the requirements for tapeworm treatment
The following may change:
- The UK-issued EU pet passports may become invalid, and new UK pet passports may need to be applied for
We are still awaiting more information regarding the introduction of UK pet passports and how this may affect travel.
Potential Outcome 2
The UK becomes a Part 2 listed country
In this situation, the Pet Travel Scheme will be similar to being a Part 1 Listed country, but with some additional requirements. The following are the current rules, and will be familiar to those who have taken their pet abroad under the scheme already:
- Pets need to be microchipped
- Pets need to have their rabies vaccination at least 21 days before the date of travel
- Pets need to be dewormed per the requirements for tapeworm treatment
The following may change:
- An Animal Health Certificate will be required for each trip abroad
- You would need to enter the EU through a Traveller’s Point of Entry, and may need to provide proof of all the above
The current expectation is that the Animal Health Certificate will have to be issued at least 21 days after a Rabies Vaccination, and within 10 days of travel. The certificate would then remain valid for four months for travel within the EU. Please note that according to the Animal and Plant Health Agency, “if the UK becomes a Part 2 or unlisted third country pet owners would need to obtain a new [animal health certificate] each time they wish to take their pet from the UK to the EU.”
Potential Outcome 3
The UK becomes an Unlisted country
There are some requirements that will remain the same:
- Your pet will need to be microchipped
- Your pet will need to be vaccinated against rabies
- Your pet will need to be dewormed per the requirements for tapeworm treatment
However, this is the potential outcome which has the most additional requirements for travel:
- A blood sample would need to be taken a minimum of 30 days after the rabies vaccination
- The blood sample would need to be sent off for an antibody titre test at an approved laboratory. If this shows sufficient antibodies, a certificate is issued. If not, the pet would need to have another Rabies vaccination and the blood testing process would begin again.
- The pet would not be able to travel without the certificate, and there has to be a 3 month gap between the successful blood test and the date of travel. Pets would not be allowed to travel before this 3 month gap has elapsed.
- The pet would also require a Animal Health Certificate for each trip (please see section on Part 2 Listed country for more details)
- The pet would have to enter the EU via a designated travellers point of entry, and this location has not yet been specified.
This potential outcome means that you would need to see us at least 4 months before you wish to travel in order to get the documentation and testing needed done in time. This would mean the end of August 2020 for trips taking place in January 2020, and does assume that your pet will test successfully for antibodies on the first blood sample.
Currently, all of the above outcomes are possible and should be considered when you are making plans to go abroad with your pet.
Carrying out the rabies blood sampling should be seriously considered if you would like to take your pets abroad with you after Brexit, so it may be sensible to have the blood test carried out in case we become an unlisted country (potential outcome 3). There is, of course, the risk that this will be carried out and then the UK becomes a Part 1 or 2 listed country, and then it was unnecessary, but it would cover all bases.
Please bear in mind that if plans are not made now for the scenario where we become an unlisted country, you may find that you need to arrange boarding kennels at the last minute for your pet while you are away.
More information can be found on the gov.uk website where you will be able to find the most up to date information regarding pet travel.
As ever, if you have any queries about pet passports or would like to book in for a Travel Clinic, please call us on 01435 864422.
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care with a Friendly Face
