Travelling abroad with your pet in 2021
Although the rules and restrictions on people travelling abroad this summer are still to be finalised, the pet travel scheme for pets travelling to Europe post-Brexit has been up and running since January. Please read on if you are thinking of taking your pet dog or cat to Europe this year.
What do I need to do now if I am planning to take my pet abroad? For pets to be able to travel from the UK, the following procedure must be followed: 1. The pet must be microchipped 2. The pet must be vaccinated against rabies (booster injections are then required, usually every 3 years with the vaccine available in the UK) These parts of the procedure must be completed at least 3 weeks before travel and many clients will arrange this well in advance of the anticipated travel date.
What do I need to do when I know the exact date that I wish to travel? The previous UK- issued Pet Passport is no longer valid for entry into the EU. All pets travelling from
the UK to an EU country now need an Animal Health Certificate to be completed, signed and stamped by an Official Veterinarian (veterinary surgeon approved by the UK government). Most veterinary practices will employ at least one Official Veterinarian so that they can provide this service. The certificate must be completed within 10 days of the date of travel. A new document must be applied for, the pet must be examined and the certificate completed, every time the client and pet wish to travel.
What about returning to the UK from the EU? The Animal Health Certificate is valid for re-entry to the UK for 4 months after it is issued. Other acceptable documents for return to the UK include the old-style UK Pet Passport and EU-issued pet passport. The requirement for pets to have a tapeworm treatment administered and certified by a vet prior to return to the UK remains in place, as was the case with the previous system. Further information regarding the pet travel service available at Acorn House can be found at https:// www.acornhousevets.co.uk/PetTravel1504.html The government advice related to the scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-petabroad
