Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Britain to the EU with pets at the end of the Brexit transition period.
During the transition period, pet owners have been able to continue using Pet Passports to travel with their pets, and the government is now working with the European Commission to ensure a similar arrangement for pet travel from 1 January 2021.
If an agreement is not reached, however, there could be new requirements in place for those travelling with a pet from Great Britain to the EU from that date.
If pet owners plan to travel from January 2021 onwards, the government has urged to contact their vet at least four months in advance of their travel date to discuss the latest requirements, including the documentation and vaccinations needed.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer said: “Those pet owners who wish to be certain of being able to take their pets abroad from 1 January 2021 onwards should consult their vet at least four months before travelling.
“Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel.”
She added: “We continue to be in contact with vets to highlight this issue and they are expecting pet owners to consult with them and plan ahead.
“Pet owners can also stay up to date with the latest advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel.”
Updated guidance on pet travel has been available since November 2018, and there will be no change to the current health preparations for pets entering Great Britain from the EU from 1 January 2021.
