British pet owners are being cautioned against attempting to circumvent costly animal health certificates by obtaining pet passports issued in EU countries. The warning comes as the process for traveling with pets to Europe has become more complex and expensive since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2021.
Post-Brexit Pet Travel Complications
Prior to Brexit, travel with cats, dogs, and ferrets within the EU was streamlined under the Pet Travel Scheme, requiring a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a pet passport. Since 2021, however, the pet passport has been replaced by the animal health certificate (AHC). This certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel to the EU and is valid for four months of travel within the EU and for returning to Great Britain.
A simpler process exists for travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, utilizing a pet travel document. Pet passports remain valid for owners residing in Northern Ireland.
The Rise of the “EU Passport Dodge”
Despite the regulations, reports on social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook indicate some pet owners are attempting to bypass the AHC requirement by acquiring EU pet passports from veterinarians within the EU. This practice is particularly common among those in the “van life” community.
Dr. David Nicholl, a consultant neurologist, secured an EU pet passport for his Jack Russell, Lily, in Belgium, finding it significantly cheaper than the AHC. He stated, “[There is] loads of hassle and [it is] very expensive with the existing system.” He also noted the passport does not require the owner’s address.
Risks and Official Guidance
However, experts warn that using an EU pet passport when residing in Great Britain carries risks. Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, of the British Veterinary Association, stated that EU guidance specifies these passports are only issued to pet owners who are residents of the EU.
The European Commission confirmed that EU pet passports are only valid for animals habitually residing with their owner in an EU member state and are not valid for pets traveling from Great Britain. The commission emphasizes that an AHC issued by a veterinarian in Great Britain is required for each entry of a pet residing in Great Britain and traveling to the EU, and that using invalid documents could result in refusal of entry.
The cost of AHCs varies, with some vets charging over £250, while others, particularly near ports, offer them for as little as £69 for a returning customer. The British Veterinary Association notes that AHCs are more complex and time-consuming for vets than pet passports, contributing to the higher costs.
Future Changes Possible
The Competition and Markets Authority is currently reviewing veterinary service pricing. Chris Theobald of Guide Dogs reported that the UK and EU have agreed to the UK rejoining the pet passport scheme, though a date for this has not yet been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the process for taking pets to the EU before Brexit?
Before Brexit, the Pet Travel Scheme required a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a pet passport for cats, dogs, and ferrets traveling to the EU.
What has replaced the pet passport since Brexit?
The animal health certificate (AHC) has replaced the pet passport for travel from Great Britain to the EU.
Is it legal for a UK resident to obtain an EU pet passport?
EU guidance states that EU pet passports are only issued to pet owners who are resident in the EU. The European Commission confirms that an EU pet passport issued to a resident of Great Britain is no longer a valid document for travel to the EU.
Given the evolving regulations and potential for changes, how will pet owners best prepare for future travel with their animals between Great Britain and Europe?
