Europe... with your dog

****** What has changed with Brexit ******
From the 1st of January 2021, a GB issued EU Pet Passport will not be valid for entry into either the EU or Northern Ireland. Instead you will need to use an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which you should obtain no more than 10 days before you travel.

Each AHC is estimated to cost £60, and can only be issued official vet. When obtaining your AHC you will need to bring proof of your pet's microchipping date, together with their vaccination history.

The AHC is valid for:
- 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
- onward travel within the EU or NI for 4 months after the date of issue
- re-entry to GB for 4 months after the date of issue

YOU WILL NEED A NEW AHC FOR EACH TRIP TO THE EU OR NORTHERN IRELAND

There are no changes to the current health preparations for pets entering the UK from the 1st of January 2021.

Your pet must have one of the following documents when returning to the GB from the EU:
- an EU pet passport (issued in the EU, or in GB before 1 January 2021), or a pet passport from a Part 1 listed third country
- the AHC issued in GB used to travel to the EU – which you can use up to 4 months after it was issued
- a GB pet health certificate (for travel into GB only)

Your pet will not need this documentation if it’s entering GB from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or, the Isle of Man.

To re-enter GB you’ll also need to take your dog to a vet for an approved tapeworm treatment. You must do this no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before re-entering the GB.

The treatment must:
- be approved for use in the country where the treatment is applied
- contain praziquantel or an equivalent proven to be effective against tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis)

You do not need to treat your dog for tapeworm if you’re travelling directly- to GB from Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta.

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Taking your dog around Europe is a great experience. Whilst initially somewhat daunting, taking your dog abroad need not be a worry. Read our tips below to ensure you and your canine companion have a fun and stress-free trip abroad!

The Plan

Book in advance to ensure no last-minute rushing. When you have determined where you will be travelling to with your dog, do some research on the rules for bringing a pet into the destination country. Do not assume that all countries are the same, each could be very different, so familiarise yourself prior to travel for minimal unwanted disruption.

The best method of transport for travelling with your dog is the Channel Tunnel, you remain in the car with your dog for the duration of the crossing. If you choose to travel by ferry, some ferries have a special dog section on-deck, others require you to leave your furry friend in the car for the entirety of the journey.

Microchip

To help identify your dog, a microchip must be located on them - this is a requirement for the pet travel scheme and will be scanned at the boarder and checked against your dogs travel documents (so it is useful to know where you dog's microchip is located).

Vaccinations

To enter the EU your dog will need a valid Rabies vaccine and you will not be issued an Animal Health Certificate without this. It is advisable to make sure that all your dog's vaccines are up to date well in advance of the trip, if you are unsure, then check with your vet.

The Ride

So this may seem obvious now, but when you are actually in transit, do make sure you are regularly letting your dog out of the car so that they can do their business, stretch their legs, and generally have a bit of fresh air!

Climate

As you venture across the continent, you may find the temperature creeping up. If so, beware, as your canine friend will be feeling the heat too. Ensure there is always a constant supply of fresh, cold water available, keep them outside of the direct sunlight, especially in the middle of the day, and do not exercise them during this time. Create a shaded area where your dog can rest, and they should be happy. Just make sure you keep an eye on them at all times.

The Favourite Food

If your dog likes routine and has a specific food, make sure you stock up enough of it to last for the duration of your trip. You never know what kind of dog food is available in different countries, and the last thing you want is to end up somewhere with either an unappetising selection or a lack of pet supply stores!

Further Information

More information on pet passports, can be viewed on the government website here