UK Pet Passport Rules Have Changed. Here Is Everything You Need to Know
What Has Changed - And Why
The EU approved a wide-ranging piece of legislation in 2016 called the Animal Health Law (Regulation EU 2016/429). One section of that law clarified something that had been ambiguous for years: EU pet passports are designed for EU residents. They are not intended for residents of non-EU countries.
Because the regulation was complex, the EU gave member states a ten-year transition period to implement it. That period ended on 22 April 2026.
The practical effect for UK pet owners is significant. Since Brexit, Great Britain became a "third country" under EU law. That means UK residents were never technically eligible to hold EU pet passports under the new rules — they were operating under a loophole that the EU had, until now, tolerated.
That loophole is now closed.
"An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from GB to the EU. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026." — Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), April 2026
What Document Do You Need Now?
GB residents travelling to any EU country with a dog, cat, or ferret must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip.
What is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate is a bilingual, ten-page document issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). It confirms that your pet is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and fit for travel.
Key facts about the AHC:
Validity: The AHC must be issued within 10 days of your departure date.
Single entry: Each AHC covers one entry into the EU. You need a new one for every trip.
Onward travel: Once inside the EU, the AHC is valid for up to six months for travel between EU countries, provided your pet's rabies vaccinations remain current.
Cost: Typically between £90 and £350 per pet, depending on the veterinary practice.
Who issues it: Only an Official Veterinarian. Your regular vet may or may not be an OV — check before booking an appointment.
Can You Still Use Your EU Pet Passport?
No. If you live in England, Scotland, or Wales, you cannot use an EU pet passport to enter the EU from 22 April 2026 onwards. If you try, your pet may be refused entry at the border.
There is one exception: residents of Northern Ireland. Under the terms of the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU rules. NI residents can still use EU pet passports. Full guidance is available from DAERA (the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland).
Important note for return journeys: EU pet passports are still accepted for your pet's return to Great Britain. You only need the AHC for travel into the EU.
What If You Are Already in Europe?
If you are currently in the EU with a pet travelling on an EU pet passport, you may face issues at some border points on your return. APHA guidance states that pet owners in this situation should contact the relevant border control post in advance.
The situation across EU member states is not yet entirely consistent. Some border officials are implementing the new rules strictly from day one. Others, particularly at smaller crossings, may not yet be enforcing them uniformly. Pet Holiday Club recommends not relying on inconsistent enforcement and obtaining an AHC for all future journeys.
What About a New UK Pet Passport?
The UK government has confirmed that a new domestic UK pet passport scheme is in development. However, it is not expected to be available before 2027 or 2028. For all travel to Europe in the meantime, the AHC is the only valid document for GB residents.
What This Means for Frequent Travellers
The practical burden falls hardest on pet owners who travel regularly between the UK and Europe. Under the old system, an EU pet passport was valid for the lifetime of the animal and covered unlimited trips. Under the new system, each trip requires a fresh AHC, a veterinary appointment within ten days of departure, and a cost of between £90 and £350 each time.
For owners with second homes in France, Spain, or other EU countries — or those who travel frequently for work with their pets — this represents a significant ongoing cost and logistical commitment.
Pet Holiday Club note: Our Global Pet Travel Preparedness Index 2026 scored the United Kingdom 13th out of 194 countries, placing it just outside Tier 1, specifically because of the post-Brexit AHC requirement. Every EU member state still has access to a permanent pet passport. The UK does not.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Before Your Next Trip to Europe
First, register on Pet Holiday Club and create your account.
Next, add your pet’s details so we can tailor the requirements specifically to them.
Then, choose where you want to travel. You can either select your destination directly or explore routes using the interactive map on our website.
After that, enter your travel plan - simply specify the country you’re traveling from and your destination.
Once submitted, you’ll receive personalised pet travel requirements for your exact route and destination.
We currently cover over 150 countries, providing government-sourced, vet-verified checklists - travelling so you know exactly what’s required, with no guesswork.
