As of today (Wednesday, 22 April), there has been a change in how pets travel abroad into the EU, and if the owner does not have the right documents, their dog could be refused entry
A new EU rule will impact how pets travel(Image: Getty Images/Stock Photo)
British pet owners have been warned about a new EU rule that impacts how they travel abroad with their dog or cat.
Under the new rules, the majority of pet passports will be invalid from today (Wednesday, 22 April), and Brits have been warned that they “should no longer use” them to travel into the UE. Instead, Brits travelling into the EU with a pet dog, including an assistance dog, cat or ferret, will need to get an animal health certificate (AHC).
In an update on the government website, it states: “If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, from 22 April you cannot use a pet passport (even if it was issued in the EU). If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.”
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The animal health certificate must be issued by a vet within 10 days of the trip, and a new one is required for every journey to the EU. However, the AHC can be used for up to 6 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entering Britain, provided the rabies vaccination is still valid.
The government confirmed that the new rule applies to the “non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.” However, there are no changes to the pet travel documents for their return journey into GB, and they can still use EU pet passports.
In a further update on the government website, it stated: “EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU.
“This means GB residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU. To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.”
They also noted that additional documents are required if someone other than the owner is travelling with their pet. The person travelling with the animal must travel within five days of the owner and have the owner’s written permission.
The written consent should be carried with the pet’s travel document. Brits are now also only allowed to have a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle, although there are exceptions for competitions, events or training under specific conditions.
Despite the important change, it shouldn’t put any pet owner off from taking their beloved pet abroad. An APHA spokesperson said: “From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible.
“Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
For more information on taking your pet abroad when travelling to an EU country, visit the government website. There’s also further information on pet passports and securing an animal health certificate.
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