Well, Brexit is finally here and whether you think it’s a good or a bad thing, it will affect all of us. The only certainty is that there will be lots of uncertainty post-Brexit, however last Friday the UK Government provided some clarity and issued up-to-date advice about pet passports. Previously the advice had been that a pet owner travelling with their pet to the EU after 31st January 2020 would need to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC) from their vet, and the animal would require an additional blood test.
Last Friday’s announcement stated that a transition period has been agreed between the UK Government and the EU. This will last until 31st December 2020, and will mean that the existing pet passport arrangements stay in place, and pet owners will not need to obtain an AHC.
If you need any further details please call the UK Government’s pet travel helpline, which is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, on 0370 241 1710.
Pet passports are required for dogs, cats and ferrets, but they are not needed for rabbits which is surprising given there are an estimated one million domestic rabbits in the UK.