Brexit is back in the news, as the current transition period enters into its final few months. Pet owners are being urged to speak to their vets now if they intend to travel to the EU in the first few months of 2021 because they may need to arrange for their dogs, cats or ferrets to have blood tests and vaccinations if pet passports are scrapped.

The British Veterinary Association is warning that it could take four months for pets to be certified to travel under new Brexit rules, or in the event of a ‘no deal’ situation. British pet owners could be classed as citizens of an ‘unlisted country’ when traveling to the EU.

A ‘no deal’ scenario would mean that the pet passport system would be voided, and that British dogs, cats and ferrets would not be able to move freely around Europe even if they have been chipped and tested under current passport arrangements.

In the case of a ‘no deal’ Brexit dogs, cats and ferrets will need to have a rabies vaccination before travelling to the EU. Pets will then have to wait thirty days before taking a blood test, and then another three months before they can travel freely. This means that if owners want to travel with their pets in January they will have to start the process next month.

It is possible that Britain could be given ‘part one unlisted country’ status as a result of Brexit negotiations. This would mean that owners wouldn’t need to take their pets to the vets every time they travel, but they would still need to get them vaccinated, wait 21 days before travelling and re-apply for a new pet passport which will last for their pet’s lifetime.

Our COVID-free status on the Isle of Man means that our veterinary practices are all fully up-and -running again, although they are still coping with a back-log of routine operations and check-ups. It’s more of a challenge to make an appointment with a vet in England, Wales and Scotland where social distancing and COVID-related restrictions are still in place.

The UK government operates a pet travel helpline Monday to Friday which is able to give detailed advice to owners – the helpline number is 0370 241 1710.