Although we’re all currently in a new lockdown with travel restrictions in place, many of us have our sights set on travelling later in 2021. Did you know that now that the UK has withdrawn from the EU, current pet passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland? We detail what you need to know so that you have everything in place for travelling with your dog to the EU post Brexit.
You will need to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). To be eligible for an AHC your dog will need to adhere to the following criteria:
- Your dog must be microchipped.
- Your dog will need to have been vaccinated against rabies.
- Tapeworm treatment for your dog is required if travelling to Northern Ireland.
- You will need to wait 21 days after the vaccination before travel is permitted.
- You will need to get an AHC from your veterinarian 10 days prior to travelling.
The AHC is valid for 10 days after it has been issued for you to enter the EU or Northern Ireland but only through a designated Traveller’s Point of Entry. It allows for 4 months of travel in the EU and re-entering the UK must take place within that time.
When returning to the UK, your dog will require a tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 120 hours prior to your return. You’ll also need just one of the following documents, which must be presented for re-entry:
- The AHC that was issued by your veterinarian.
- An EU pet passport issued prior to January 1, 2021.
- A pet health certificate (issued by a veterinarian outside of the UK for travel to the UK).
It is also important to note that some countries (such as France, Spain and Denmark) have restrictions or regulations placed on certain dog breeds, so it is worth checking the embassy websites for those countries for further details.
Full information on all pet travel issues can be found on the UK government website.
