The article discusses the potential return of “pet passports” for British travelers, making it easier and cheaper to bring pets, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, into the EU. Before Brexit, these passports allowed pets to travel to Europe with proof of rabies vaccinations and microchipping, lasting for the pet’s lifetime. However, in 2021, new regulations required an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each journey, which costs around £200.
The UK and EU have drafted a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, set to be signed soon, that may allow pet passports to be reintroduced. This would be the first time since Brexit that British pets could travel to the EU using this method. The article also notes existing rules regarding tapeworm treatment for dogs traveling to specific countries and mentions that only EU residents can issue new EU pet passports.
For further information, readers can access related articles from the Independent.
