Pet Travel to the EU: New Rules from 22 April 2026

From 22 April 2026, new rules come into force that will affect anyone travelling from Great Britain to the EU with a dog, cat or ferret. While pet travel has already become more complex in recent years, this latest change removes one of the remaining shortcuts, meaning that both pet owners and professionals will need to plan more carefully before travelling.

The most significant change is that UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU. This applies regardless of when the passport was issued, and means that pet owners can no longer rely on existing documentation for repeat trips. Instead, every journey will now require a new process to be followed.

In place of a pet passport, travellers must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This is an official document issued by a veterinarian and confirms that the animal meets the EU’s entry requirements. The certificate must be completed by an Official Veterinarian and issued within ten days of travel, which makes timing particularly important. Unlike a passport, which could be used repeatedly, an AHC is only valid for a single trip from Great Britain into the EU.

Once issued, the AHC does provide some flexibility. It allows entry into the EU, onward travel within EU member states for up to four months, and return to Great Britain within that same period. However, it cannot be reused for future travel, so pet owners will need to arrange a new certificate each time they plan to travel abroad with their animal.

An AHC is valid for:

• Entry into the EU within 10 days of issue

• Travel within the EU for up to 4 months

• Return to Great Britain within 4 months of issue

However, it can only be used for one trip from the UK to the EU and a new AHC is required every time you travel

The rules for returning to Great Britain remain largely unchanged. Pets can come back using the same Animal Health Certificate, provided it is still within its validity period, or by using a valid EU-issued pet passport. For dogs, there is still a requirement for tapeworm treatment before re-entry, which must be administered by a veterinarian within a specific timeframe and correctly recorded.

In practical terms, these changes mean that travelling with pets is now more structured and requires more forward planning than many owners may be used to. Vet appointments will need to be booked in advance, documentation must be carefully checked, and there is likely to be an increase in both the cost and the time involved in preparing for travel. For those who are unaware of the changes, there is a real risk of disruption at borders if the correct paperwork is not in place.

For pet professionals, this update is particularly important. Veterinary practices are likely to see increased demand for Animal Health Certificates, especially during peak travel periods. Dog walkers, pet sitters, and other pet care providers may also find themselves fielding more questions from clients who are unsure of the new requirements. Being able to provide clear, accurate guidance will be key to supporting clients and avoiding last-minute issues.

Ultimately, pet travel is still very much possible, but it is no longer as simple as it once was. Every trip now requires preparation, and awareness of the rules is essential. For both pet owners and professionals, staying informed and planning ahead will make all the difference in ensuring smooth and stress-free travel.