There are still so many uncertainties surrounding Brexit and what will happen if the UK leaves the EU on October 31.

For many people who have already made plans to travel to the EU in the next few months, taking a pet with them, there are a number of scenarios in play.

Vets across the country have been handed advice from the government, which says pet owners will have to start preparing four months in advance.Ilkley Gazette:

So what are the new rules?

Well, obviously, it's Brexit related, which means it is complicated.

It really depends on the categorisation of the UK when we leave the EU.

But the main change is that the government is telling people that to make sure a dog, cat or even ferret can travel from the UK to the EU after we have left the European Union, to contact their vet at least FOUR MONTHS before travelling.

This is what is being recommended:

  • Get your pet microchipped
  • Ensure rabies vaccinations are up to date
  • Return to a vet at least 30 days after your pet's last rabies vaccination for a blood test to check it's worked
  • Wait three calendar months after a successfu blood test before travel
  • Return to a vert within 10 days of travel for an Animal Health Certificate
  • If your pet's vaccinations are kept up to date, you won't need to repeat the blood test for each journey

Why is it so complicated?

According to the latest guidance, the UK will become a third country when it leaves the EU. Third countries can apply to the European Commission to be listed.

In the EU Pet Travel Scheme, there are 3 categorisations of third country:

  • unlisted
  • Part 1 listed
  • Part 2 listed

Pet travel requirements will change depending on what category the UK becomes on exit day.

However, if the UK leaves with No Deal, they are most likely to be treated as an unlisted country.

What else do I need to know?

If the UK is an unlisted country, dogs travelling from the UK to EU listed tapeworm-free countries (Finland, Republic of Ireland and Malta) must be treated for tapeworm 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arriving in one of those countries.

Getting a health certificate

You must take proof of:

  • your pet’s vaccination history
  • your pet’s microchipping date
  • a successful rabies antibody blood test result

Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid for:

  • 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
  • onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
  • re-entry to the UK for 4 months after the date of issue

On arrival in the EU, pet owners travelling with pets will need to enter through a designated Travellers’ point of entry (TPE).

At the TPE, you may need to present proof of:

  • your pet’s microchip
  • rabies vaccination
  • successful blood test results
  • tapeworm treatment (if required)
  • your pet’s health certificate

What if the UK becomes a listed third country?

  • Part 1 listed country status

If the UK becomes a Part 1 listed country, you must have your pet microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. You’ll need to make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are kept up to date and make sure your dog has tapeworm treatment if needed.

You must also apply for a new document, the UK pet passport. You can use this for travel to the EU for your pet’s lifetime as long as your pet’s rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

  • Part 2 listed country status

If the UK becomes a Part 2 listed country, you must have your pet microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. You’ll need to make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are kept up to date and make sure your dog has tapeworm treatment if needed.

You must also visit an official vet no more than 10 days before you travel to get an animal health certificate confirming that your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to the EU if the UK becomes a Part 2 listed country. On arrival in the EU, pet owners travelling with pets need to enter through a designated TPE. At the TPE, you may need to present proof of microchip and rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment if required.

Contact

Contact the pet travel helpline if you need more help:

Email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk 
Telephone: 0370 241 1710