If you want to travel with your pet, you are probably wondering how Brexit affects your vacation plans. Well, things are a little different, and it’s a little more expensive than before. Here is an overview of the changes.

Can I travel with my pet in the EU?

Yes, but Brexit Signs the end of pet passports. Let’s break down the new rules:

• The UK is now a ‘second party’ country, which means pets can travel within the EU if they have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
• If you already have a valid pet passport issued in the EU or NI, it is still valid. The changes only apply to new applications in the future.
• You’ll also need to make sure your pet has a microchip, a rabies vaccination, and in some cases, tapeworm treatment.

But what is an animal health certificate and when should one get one? We will take a look.

How to get an animal health certificate?

While pet travel costs more now, it’s not more complicated. Here’s how the AHC process works:

• Contact your veterinarian and make an AHC appointment for your cat, dog or ferret. Be sure to take your pet’s vaccination history with you.
• Once the vet has prepared the AHC, you have 10 days to travel before it expires. So, don’t make your appointment too long before your vacation or you’ll have to pay for another.
• You have four months to travel within the EU and return to the UK before the AHC ends. However, if your pet’s rabies vaccination expires during this four month period, you need another certificate.
• Once back in the UK you are no longer in the EU. So, if you want to travel with your pet again, you’ll need a new AHC – even if it’s within the four-month limit.

To sum up, you have 10 days to travel once you get your AHC, but it is valid for four months unless the rabies vaccine expires or you return home to the UK.

What about pet travel to and from Northern Ireland?

The rules for pet travel are much the same. You need an AHC if you are traveling to NI from Wales, Scotland or England. However, if you are traveling from NI to the mainland UK, you do not need an AHC. Here are some other differences to keep in mind:

• One to five days prior to arrival at NI, your pet needs tapeworm treatment. Your vet can tell you more about this.
• You do not need tapeworm treatment if you are traveling from NI to the mainland UK.
• Unless it is for a competition or event, you cannot bring more than five animals to NI.

So if you are going to NI, think of it as if you are visiting the EU for pet travel purposes.

How much will pet travel cost now?

Now that you can no longer rely on a pet passport, travel costs a little more. Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay:

• Animal health certificate: around £ 106.50, which includes the cost of viewing and preparing the certificate.
• Rabies vaccine: around £ 50.40, repeated every three years.
• Tapeworm treatment: around £ 20 to £ 30.
• Microchip: a one-time cost of £ 16.28. If your pet is already microchipped, he does not need another one.

Keep in mind, however, that costs vary from clinic to clinic, so check the exact cost before you book.

Carry

Pet travel from the UK to the EU is still acceptable – just make sure your pet’s AHC, microchip, and rabies vaccination are in place. Keep in mind that your the animal must be at least 12 weeks old before you can be vaccinated and you must wait at least 21 days from the date of vaccination before traveling.

Always check the rules before traveling if you are unsure, or ask your veterinarian for advice. And don’t forget to go out animal insurance Before leaving !

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