Pet travel plans are changing with Brexit

Do you have a dog, cat or ferret and intend to travel to the EU using a Pet Passport after the end of October? If so, please be aware that your plans may need to change if there is a no-deal Brexit.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31st October 2019 then Pet Passports will be of no effect for travel to and from the EU. The UK is likely to be regarded by the EU as an ‘unlisted third country’ in which case the procedure for travel with your pet dog, cat or ferret will be far more complicated than it is at present:-

1. The pet must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after its last rabies vaccination.
2. This must be sent to an EU approved blood testing lab and the result must show a minimum level of rabies antibodies
3. You then have to wait 3 months from the date of the successful blood sample being taken before travelling
4. No more than 10 days before travel you have to go to an Official Veterinarian to get an animal health certificate which will be valid for 10 days to travel into the EU and up to 4 months for re-entry into the UK.

Dogs travelling to Finland, Eire or Malta must be treated for tapeworm 1 to 5 days before arrival.

You will only be able to enter the EU through a Travellers’ Point of Entry.

For repeat travel into the EU you won’t need repeated blood tests as long as you’ve got an up to date rabies vaccination history BUT you will still need a new health certificate for each trip to the EU.

The current DEFRA advice is that you should contact your vet at least 4 months before travelling.