With Brexit just around the corner we wanted to update our clients on pet travel requirements.
Until 31st December 2020, pets can travel to and from Europe as long as they have the following:
• A Pet passport
• An up to date rabies vaccination
• A microchip
From 1st January 2021, the UK will become a ‘third country’ which has three categorisations (unlisted, part 1 listed and part 2 listed). The pet travel requirements will change depending on what category Great Britain falls into. However, it is important to note that regardless of the category it is likely that the pet passport will no longer be valid for pet travel.
If we are categorised as an unlisted third country you will need to contact your vet at least 4 months before travelling. This is because the following steps will be required:
• You must have your pet microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
• Your pet must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination – this blood sample is to detect antibodies against the rabies virus, otherwise known as a titre test.
• The blood sample must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory for testing.
• If the titre test result is a PASS – you will have to wait 3 months from the date of the blood sample before you can travel. If the titre test result is a FAIL – the rabies vaccination will need to be repeated and then another blood test taken 30 days later until the test result comes back as a pass.
• No more than 10 days before travel you must take your pet to the vets to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
• The vet will give you a copy of your titre test results and enter the information into the AHC to allow you to travel.
As you can see, the situation is not straightforward and could vary depending on the category that the UK falls in to.
If you are planning on travelling with your pet either before or after Brexit please contact the practice to ensure you have the right documentation. You can also find up to date information on the pet travel section of the gov.uk website.
