UK pet owners face new EU travel rules

Pet owners planning to travel to Europe with their pets this year are being urged to check the latest requirements, following rule changes that mean some previously issued documents may no longer be valid.

Under the new guidance, residents in Great Britain should no longer use EU-issued pet passports when travelling to the continent. Instead, owners are advised to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to ensure smooth travel for their pets.

While AHCs remain single-use for entry into the EU, they can now be used for onward travel within the EU and for returning to Great Britain for up to six months, as long as rabies vaccinations remain valid.

Additional requirements will apply if pet owners are not travelling alongside their pet, including written permission for anyone accompanying the animal and a requirement for pets to travel within five days of their owner.

New limits also apply for those travelling by car, with a maximum of five pets per private vehicle for non-commercial travel into the EU.

Pet owners are being urged to check the specific entry requirements of their destination country, as rules can vary between EU member states.

There are no changes to requirements for bringing pets back into Great Britain, and valid EU pet passports can still be used for entry.

David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs, said: “We know many families will be looking forward to a summer getaway with their pets, and we don’t want anyone to face having their holidays cancelled when they reach the border, because they don’t have the right documents.

“We recognise that these changes may cause some confusion for pet owners, particularly for those who have travelled with their pets before. That’s why it’s so important people check the latest requirements and make sure they have the correct paperwork in place before setting off.”