British pet owners have been warned that new EU travel rules may render some pet passports invalid

For every pet owner, pets are no less than kids, and a new EU travel rule is all set to make things harsh for these little souls and their parents. Read on to know more…

Strict rules for EU travel
Those living in England, Scotland, or Wales who plan to take dogs, cats, or ferrets—including assistance animals—into the EU will now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead of an EU pet passport. The GOV.UK website makes it clear: “If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, from 22 April you cannot use a pet passport (even if it was issued in the EU). If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.”
Under the new system, travellers must have a vet issue an AHC before departure, and it must be done within 10 days of the trip. A fresh certificate is required for every journey from Britain to the EU. The AHC can then be used for up to six months for onward travel inside the EU and for re‑entering Britain, as long as the pet’s rabies vaccinations remain valid.


Why this rule?
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has stressed that “holidays with your pets are still possible” despite these changes. An APHA spokesman said, "Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK and the entry rules for their destination. To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they are travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”


Conditions for travelling with pets
Under the updated rules, EU pet passports are now only to be issued to people whose main base is in the EU, not to those who own holiday homes or visit seasonally. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has also reminded owners that individual member states may have their own specific pet travel requirements and that pet owners should always check the entry conditions before traveling.
If the owner is not traveling with the pet, extra paperwork will be needed. The person taking the animal abroad must have written permission from the owner, and there is a window of up to five days between when the owner and the pet travel. Moreover, travellers are also now limited to a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle. There may be exemptions for pets travelling to competitions, events, or training, but in most private cases that five‑pet limit will apply.