Pet owners face crucial changes as new EU travel regulations come into effect, invalidating certain pet passports starting today. Travellers bringing dogs, cats, or ferrets into EU member states must now secure an animal health certificate before departure.
Mandatory Animal Health Certificate for EU Travel
This health certificate must be issued by a veterinarian within 10 days prior to travel. Every journey from Britain to the EU requires a freshly issued certificate, ensuring pets meet updated entry requirements. However, once inside the EU, the certificate remains valid for up to six months for onward travel within member states and for re-entry into the UK.
Pet Passports No Longer Valid for UK Residents
The UK government clearly warns that from 22 April, pet passports issued in the EU cannot be used by residents of England, Scotland, or Wales. Attempting to travel using these passports risks your pet being refused entry at the border. This rule applies equally to assistance dogs, emphasizing the broad scope of the new regulations.
Additional Restrictions on Pet Travel
New rules also limit the number of pets to a maximum of five per private vehicle during travel. Moreover, pet owners must provide written authorization if their animal is travelling with someone else, strengthening controls on pet movements across borders.
EU Pet Passport Issuance Now Restricted
The EU has tightened issuance of pet passports, now granting them only to individuals whose primary residence is within the bloc. Seasonal visitors or owners of holiday homes in the EU are no longer eligible. Despite these changes, the government confirms that pet passports will continue to be accepted for UK-based travellers returning home.
