Pet Travel – The Rules Are Changing

Pet Travel – The Rules Are Changing

We are happy to assist in helping you prepare your pet for travel. To qualify your pet will need a Rabies vaccination, a placed microchip and an Animal Health Certificate for every journey.

The rules for pet travel are changing – Are you prepared?

The rules for pet travel are changing on December 31st 2020, pet passports are being replaced with Animal Health Certificates.

Pets will still need to be microchipped and have a Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before they travel.

Pet passports are being replaced with Animal Health Certificates, these are issued by appointment only with one of our Official Veterinarians. When arranging your consultation please do mention that you are travelling with your pet so we can book your appointment accordingly.

If your pet already has a Pet Passport or a Rabies Vaccination Certificate please bring this to any pet travel appointments so we can transfer any information required.

Animal Health Certificates – What you need to know. 

• Each certificate is valid for a single entry into the EU within 10 days of the date of issue.
• The Certificate allows further travel within the EU for 4 months from the date of issue.
• A single return into the UK within 4 months from the date of issue.
• The Health certificate cannot be re-used even if you are travelling in and out of the UK more than once during.
• Each trip requires its own individual Animal Heath Certificate.
• If your pet’s Rabies vaccination expires during your pets journey, the Health Certificate will become invalid.
• The Certificate is produced according to your travel plans, it will become invalid if you change the country you are entering in the EU.

On return to the UK, dogs need to be treated for tapeworm by a veterinary surgeon, 24-120 hours (1-5 days) before embarking for the UK (by ferry or air) except from Malta, Finland and Ireland. Cats do not need this treatment. If you are travelling to Malta, Finland or Ireland your dog will require tapeworm treatment 1 – 5 days before they travel. Please do mention this when booking your appointment so we can provide both travel requirements in one appointment. Cats do not need this treatment.

The Animal Health Certificates are 10 page documents and they will take time for our teams to process. When you book a pet travel appointment please allow additional time, we appreciate your patience whilst we process your pets documents. We suggest you contact us as soon as you are considering travelling with your pet so we can give you timescales and price estimates in advance.

** Dogs and cats who leave the UK before 11pm on 31st December 2020 can return into the UK after that date using their current passport. ** We suspect this will be temporary to allow a smooth transition so please do check with our team and the Gov.uk website for updates on pet passport rules.

Also please remember that your pet may need to take preventative treatment when you travel to protect against heartworm and other tick, mosquito or sandfly transmitted diseases. Please ask us for advice on this important issue before travelling.

If you are planning to travel with your pet, please contact our friendly team today to discuss your travel plans and the requirements needed.