22/04/2026
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE: Travelling to the EU with your pet 🐾✈️
If you’re planning a trip to Europe with your dog, cat or ferret this year, there have been important changes to the rules from 22 April 2026 that you need to be aware of.
👉 New rules from the UK Government mean that EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU
Even if your pet already has an EU passport, it will no longer be accepted for entry into the EU if your main residence is in the UK.
👉 You now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip
* This must be issued by an Official Veterinarian
* It needs to be completed within 10 days before travel
* A new certificate is required for every trip from the UK to the EU
👉 Good news – once you’re there
* The AHC can be used for up to 6 months for onward travel within the EU and return to the UK, as long as rabies vaccinations remain valid
👉 Other key points
* Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination
* There is now a maximum of 5 pets per vehicle when travelling non-commercially
* If someone else is travelling with your pet, extra documentation is required
💡 Our advice:
If you’re planning to travel, please contact us well in advance, AHC appointments require time, paperwork, and careful planning to avoid last-minute issues.
Travel with your pet is still absolutely possible, it just needs a bit more preparation than before!
If you have any questions or want to book an Animal Health Certificate appointment, feel free to get in touch 🐶🐱
