Brexit has led to changes in the way pets can travel abroad, making it all a little bit more complicated. Pet passports have been replaced by Animal Health Certificates (AHC). These changes affect all animals travelling from Great Britain to the EU and Northern Ireland.
The new documents are only valid for 4 months, so we now need to issue an AHC every time you take your pet abroad.
There is still a requirement for a valid rabies vaccination which needs to be given at least 21 days before your certificate is complete. The pet must be microchipped. If the pet is travelling to a ‘tapeworm’ free country, they will need to be treated for this before they travel.
It is always advisable to check the rules of the country you are going to before booking your pet on the holiday as some countries have additional requirements. For UK rules and regulations please go to https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad.
If you are moving abroad or the pet is changing ownership you need a document called an EHC (Export Health Certificate).
So, if you are taking your pet abroad, please get in touch with your vet as soon as possible to ensure you have everything you need. Only vets that have been trained by DEFRA as an OV (Official Veterinarian) can do the AHC. If you have a passport that has been issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland you may not need an AHC to travel, so check with your vet.
Lucy Travers BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Highfields Vets