Holidaymakers looking to travel to the European Union with their pets may soon find the process significantly more affordable and straightforward, following a potential new agreement between the UK and EU. Proposals are in motion to scrap the current Animal Health Certificates, which have been in place since Brexit, and potentially reintroduce the older, simpler pet passport system.
The current Animal Health Certificates can cost between £100 and £300 per trip and must be issued within ten days of travel. While valid for six months for travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain, owners must obtain a new certificate for each journey. Government guidance also requires owners to sign a declaration confirming they will not sell or re-home their pet while abroad, and specific tapeworm treatments are mandatory for travel to certain destinations like Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Finland, and Norway, with additional treatments needed for return to the UK.
Before Brexit, Britons relied on pet passports that were issued once after an animal was microchipped and vaccinated. These documents could be used repeatedly for travel. The old passport system, according to The Times, cost between £60 and £100 and required rabies vaccinations and microchipping.
Sources indicate that the agreement is largely settled, with draft legislation to be presented to EU ambassadors and potentially ratified on November 20 at an EU-UK summit. If approved, the new rules could be implemented as early as 2028. The proposed change aims to reduce the red tape and expenses associated with international pet travel for British citizens.