Brexit: Pet Travel to the EU from 1st January 2021

11 August 2020

Following the end of the Transition Period with the European Union, the requirements of the EU Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) may change. From 1^st January, those who wish to travel with their pet from GB to the EU may need to make travel preparations at least four months in advance of their travel date.

Defra have begun to remind pet owners of the need to contact their vet to discuss requirements, including any documentation and vaccinations needed, in advance of any travel. For example, those wishing to travel with their pet from GB to the EU on 1^st January 2021 are being advised to discuss travel plans with their vet by 1^st September at the latest. As a result, vets in small animal practice may begin to see an increase in enquiries from pet owners.

During the transition period, pet owners have been able to continue to travel with their pets using a pet passport. The UK government is working with the European Commission to ensure a similar arrangement for pet travel between GB and the EU from 1^st January 2021 is in place. However, if an agreement is not reached, there could be new requirements for those travelling with their pet from GB to the EU from 1^st January 2021.

APHA Briefing Note 24/20 for OVs is available on the APHA Vet Gateway here.

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from GB to the EU with their pets at the end of the EU exit transition period.

There will be no change to the current health preparations for pets entering GB from the EU from 1^st January 2021. The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the UK can be found here.

Previous BSAVA News articles can be found here and BSAVA resources on pet travel are available here.