Brexit and Pet Passports
Brexit is rapidly approaching
With Brexit rapidly approaching, there are many questions that we do not yet have a definitive answer for on how pets will be able to travel after 31st October 2019.
Whilst the answers remain unknown there are three possible scenarios for pet travel post Brexit. If you are planning on taking your pet abroad after the UK leaves the EU it is advised that you consider the three outcomes and decide accordingly what to do.
Possible outcomes
Outcome 1: The UK becomes listed as a Part 1 ‘Third Country’
This would result in little change. There would be only small modifications needed to current documentation for pet passport travel, and no changes required for health preparations.
Outcome 2: The UK becomes listed as a Part 2 ‘Third Country’
Current regulations would remain, however there would be additional requirements. A Vet would need to issue a ‘Model Health Certificate’ (MHC). This would relate to rabies vaccination status, and be valid for a much shorter time than the passport; ten days after the date of issue for entry into the EU, and four months for onward travel from the EU. Each trip would require a new MHC.
On arrival in the EU, pet owners travelling with their pet would be required to report to a Travellers’ Point of Entry.
Outcome 3: The UK becomes an unlisted ‘Third Country’
As a result of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, this outcome would pose the most difficulties preparing for travel.
Pet owners intending to travel with their pet from the UK to EU countries would need to discuss preparations for their pet’s travel with a Vet at least four months in advance of the date they wish to travel. This is the absolute minimum time required and the process can take much longer, and so it is advised that you provide your Vet with as much notice as possible.
Pets would be required to have the following preparations for travel made through their Vet:
- Rabies vaccination, following the instructions within the manufacturer’s datasheet, as a primary course, on or after the date of microchipping
- Blood test for a rabies antibody titre test at least 30 days after the date of the rabies vaccination to measure if the immune response has been adequate. If this test is failed, then another rabies vaccination must be given and the process restarted
- Following demonstration of an adequate immune response to the rabies vaccination, pets would have to wait at least three months from the date of blood collection to the date of travel
- Pets must visit an Official Veterinarian (OV), no more than 10 days before travel to obtain a health certificate.
The shortest time from start to finish of this process is four months.
Pet healthcare certificate
Arriving in the EU
A pet health certificate would be valid for:
- 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
- Four months of onward travel within the EU
- Re-entry to the UK for four months after the date of issue.
A new health certificate would be required for each trip.
On arrival in the EU, pet owners travelling with their pets would be required to enter through a designated ‘Travellers Point of Entry’. You may be asked to present proof of your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccination and the blood test result alongside their health certificate.
This above advice has been provided by the UK Government, through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Pet healthcare certificate
A pet health certificate would be valid for:
- 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
- Four months of onward travel within the EU
- Re-entry to the UK for four months after the date of issue.
A new health certificate would be required for each trip.
Arriving in the EU
On arrival in the EU, pet owners travelling with their pets would be required to enter through a designated ‘Travellers Point of Entry’. You may be asked to present proof of your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccination and the blood test result alongside their health certificate.
This above advice has been provided by the UK Government, through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Where possible we will try and advise you as best we can – if the travel plans are essential and cannot be altered then it may be sensible to begin preparations assuming a worst case scenario and factor in extra time to obtain compliant travel documentation for your pet.
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