Pet owners planning to travel to Europe this year are being urged to check the latest requirements ahead of the great summer getaway, following changes to pet travel rules. The RSPCA is warning that changes to pet travel rules mean some previously issued documents, including pet passports, may no longer be valid and without forward planning could result in families having to cancel their trips abroad.
Under the new guidance, residents in Great Britain should no longer use EU-issued pet passports when travelling to the continent. Instead, owners are advised to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to ensure smooth travel for their pets. There are no changes to requirements for bringing pets back into Great Britain and valid EU pet passports can still be used for entry.
RSPCA head of public affairs, David Bowles, warned that travellers could encounter difficulties if they were unaware of the changes to the rules.
He said: “We know many families will be looking forward to a summer getaway with their pets and we don’t want anyone to face having their holidays cancelled when they reach the border, because they don’t have the right documents.
“We recognise that these changes may cause some confusion for pet owners, particularly for those who have travelled with their pets before. That’s why it’s so important people check the latest requirements and make sure they have the correct paperwork in place before setting off.
“This includes an Animal Health Certificate, as well as ensuring vaccinations are up to date in order to help avoid delays or issues at the border It’s vital owners plan ahead to make journeys as smooth and stress-free as possible, for both them and their pets.”
While AHCs remain single-use for entry into the EU, they can now be used for onward travel within the EU and for returning to Great Britain for up to six months, provided rabies vaccinations remain valid.
The charity is also reminding owners that additional requirements will apply if they are not travelling alongside their pet, including written permission for anyone accompanying the animal and a requirement for pets to travel within five days of their owner.
New limits also apply for those travelling by car, with a maximum of five pets per private vehicle for non-commercial travel into the EU.
The RSPCA is also encouraging travellers to verify the specific entry requirements of their destination country, as regulations can differ between EU member states.
Further advice on taking your pet on holiday can be found on the RSPCA website.
