News

Since the inception of the EU in 1993, the United Kingdom (UK) has enjoyed a congenial relationship with the EU in terms of trade and commerce which includes regulations for pet import and export. This relationship will come to an end very soon. 

Therefore, DEFRA has been advising pet owners planning to travel with their pets to Europe after Brexit to contact their vets at least four months before travel to prepare for all scenarios, including No Deal. 

Therefore now we are reminding pet owners planning a trip to the EU over the Christmas and New Year period that they need to speak to their vets before the end of August 2019 for guidance. 

We would greatly appreciate your ongoing support in sharing this messaging with your friends & family and asking them to check the DEFRA guidance on GOV.UK to know how to prepare (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit 

Please find below a reminder of the DEFRA message for pet owners with steps on how to prepare.

How to prepare to travel with your pet over Christmas and New Year in all scenarios 

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, pet owners would need to visit their vet four months before travelling. They will need to ensure their pet has a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a blood test to demonstrate sufficient levels of rabies antibody (RNATT).

The blood test needs to be carried out a minimum of 30 days after its last rabies vaccination (whether that’s a booster or initial vaccination) and a minimum of three calendar months before travel. A current EU pet passport issued in the UK will not be valid for travel to the EU. Instead, pet owners would need to apply an Animal Health Certificate no more than 10 days before travel.”