The Government has updated its guidance for pet travel to Europe from January 1, with the main requirement being the need for an animal health certificate instead of a pet passport.
Owners are being told to take their pet to a vet no more than 10 days before travel to get the certificate. The vet must see proof of the pet’s microchipping date and its vaccination history before signing the document. The certificate will be valid for 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU and Northern Ireland and for four months before re-entry to Britain.
On arrival in the EU or NI, pet owners travelling with pets will need to enter through a designated travellers’ point of entry (TPE).
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “We have been granted ‘Part 2’ listed third country status by the EU, which will ensure that travelling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards.
“Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel and you can find the latest pet travel advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel’.”
The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.
From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow these new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.
