UK Pet Owners Face Hurdles and Costs When Traveling to the EU with Animals

British pet owners planning trips to Europe are encountering increased complexity and expense when bringing their cats, dogs, or ferrets. A post-Brexit shift has replaced the simpler Pet Passport scheme with the Animal Health Certificate (AHC), leading some owners to seek alternative, potentially risky, solutions.

The Pre-Brexit Pet Travel Scheme

Prior to Brexit, traveling with pets within the EU was streamlined under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). Pets required a microchip, a rabies vaccination, and a pet passport . For dogs, tapeworm treatment was likewise necessary.

The Rise of the Animal Health Certificate

Since 2021, the process has become more complicated, and costly. The pet passport has been replaced by the Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which must be issued within 10 days of entry into the EU and is valid for four months of travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain. A simpler process exists for travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, and pet passports remain valid for residents of Northern Ireland.

The “EU Passport Dodge” and its Risks

Faced with the expense and bureaucracy of the AHC, some pet owners are attempting to obtain EU pet passports from veterinarians within the EU, particularly those in the motorhome and “van life” community. While potentially cheaper, this practice carries risks.

Expert Warnings and Legal Considerations

Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, senior vice-president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), warns that EU guidance stipulates EU pet passports are only issued to pet owners residing in the EU. Using an EU pet passport while residing in Great Britain is invalid, and enforcement is the responsibility of EU member state authorities. The European Commission confirms that an AHC issued by an official veterinarian in Great Britain is required for each entry of a pet residing in Great Britain when traveling to the EU.

AHC Costs and Regional Variations

The cost of an AHC varies significantly. Some vets charge over £250, while practices near ports and the Channel Tunnel offer AHCs for as little as £69 for one pet, or £94 for two, particularly for returning customers. The BVA explains that cost differences reflect variations in business expenses.

Future Changes and Potential Rejoining of the Pet Passport Scheme

The Competition and Markets Authority is currently investigating veterinary service pricing, including AHC costs. the UK and EU have agreed that the UK will rejoin the pet passport scheme, although a specific date has not yet been confirmed.

Pet Travel from EU Countries to Great Britain

Entry requirements and checks for non-commercial movements of pets from EU countries to Great Britain have remained the same as those required under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.