Changes to EU pet travel laws

On Friday 17 April 2026, we were informed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) that the laws relating to pets travelling into the EU will change this week.

From this Wednesday 22 April 2026, an EU pet passport held by a pet owner who is resident in Great Britain will no longer be valid for pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU. If you currently hold a pet passport issued in Northern Ireland or an EU Member State, you will not be able to use it for travel, unless your main residence is in the EU. Instead, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).  

An AHC must be completed by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. In addition, the pet must have a valid, up‑to‑date rabies vaccination, which must have been administered at least 21 days prior to departure.

If you have any questions or concerns about travelling with your pet, please do not hesitate to call us and speak to Kyle, Laurie or Lizzie.

All three are qualified to issue AHCs and will be happy to answer your questions and help resolve any issues this change in the law may cause, so that any upcoming travel is hopefully unaffected..

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