Those travelling to EU need Animal Health Certificate issued by vet.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued guidance to owners about traveling abroad with their pets or assistance dogs, which includes a seven point checklist to help them prepare for travel.

Before committing to taking pets abroad, the BVA is asking owners to carefully consider if it would be in their animals’ best interests.

For those choosing to travel with their pets from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the European Union, post-Brexit rules require them to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This needs to be issued by an APHA approved veterinary surgeon no more than ten days before travel.

The BVA is urging pet owners to book an appointment with their veterinary practice in plenty of time to allow the health checks and paperwork to be completed.

Justine Shotton, British Veterinary Association senior vice-president, said: “We’d like to remind owners that the post-Brexit requirements for travel to the EU are a significant change from the previous and much simpler ‘pet passport’ system, so they will take longer to complete and cost more. A pet travel consult at the vets can now take around an hour and even longer where there are multiple animals.”

BVA’s travel checklist for owners is as follows:

• Timings: Contact your veterinary practice well in advance to ensure that you can get an appointment at least three weeks before your planned travel. Dogs, cats and ferrets need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland.  
• Destination: Be clear about the countries you intend to travel to so that your vet can identify specific health risks your pet may be exposed to, such as ticks, sandflies, heartworm or tapeworm.
• Rabies: Check that your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.
  
• Microchip: Ensure your pet’s microchip is working and contact details are up to date.
  
• Heat: Talk to your veterinary surgeon if going somewhere hot to discuss prevention of heatstroke and how to recognise symptoms in your dog.
  
• Emergencies: Identify a local veterinary practice in the area where you will be holidaying in case of an emergency and to administer compulsory tapeworm treatment to dogs one to five days before arrival back into the UK.
  
• Return: If your pet becomes ill after returning to the UK, it is very important to tell your veterinary surgeon that you have been abroad with your pet, even if it was some time ago.