The upcoming EU-UK summit set for November 20 in Brussels may announce an agreement that could reinstate the use of pet passports for easier travel with dogs, cats, and ferrets. This initiative is part of a broader negotiation seeking to enhance cooperation between the EU and the UK, following the commitments made by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pursued by current PM Andy Burnham.
Key components of the anticipated agreement include a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) framework on food trade, access for the UK to the EU electricity market, and a youth mobility scheme. Notably, the SPS agreement aims to eliminate checks on food and animal products, as well as restore EU pet passports for UK travelers. In return, the UK would conform to EU animal and food standards for imports from non-EU countries.
Travelers from Great Britain had to use an Animal Health Certificate for each trip to the EU after Brexit, losing the benefit of easily traveling with pets. Though resident pet owners from England, Scotland, and Wales faced stricter rules starting in April 2026, the future appears more promising if the SPS agreement is approved. Pet owners should be able to obtain a multi-use pet passport for EU travel around mid-2027, while until then, they must continue to secure health certificates for each trip.
Further details on bringing pets into the EU from non-EU countries can be found on the official EU website.
