Loophole closed on GB residents using EU-issued pet passports

Under new EU rules that come into force from today, pet owners resident in the Great Britain will no longer be able to use an EU-issued pet passport to travel to countries in the EU with their dogs, cats or ferrets. All GB residents traveling with their pets into the EU must get an Animal Health Certificate from a vet before travel.

Commenting on the announcement, British Veterinary Junior Vice President Gwen Rees said:

"Post-Brexit pet travel requirements from Great Britain to the EU have required an Animal Health Certificate issued by a vet, but we've heard reports of some UK resident owners travelling with pet passports issued in the EU. These new rules will close that loophole.

"The UK Government’s recent announcement of a new veterinary agreement with the EU could see some realignment on pet travel rules in the near future, which should make the process of taking pets abroad easier for everyone.”

See the new Government guidance on pet travel.