Brexit and Pet Travel: How Taking Your Dog Abroad Has Changed

The term Brexit has been on everyone’s lips, stirring uncertainty about many everyday activities, including the ease with which UK pet owners can now take their dogs abroad. Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, numerous changes have affected how dogs travel between the UK and EU countries, making the process more complex for many pet owners.

If you regularly travel with your dog within the EU or are planning to take your dog on holiday to the continent, this article explains the key changes post-Brexit, what documentation is required, and how to prepare for smooth pet travel in 2025 and beyond.

Understanding the Pre-Brexit Pet Travel Scheme

Before Brexit, UK pet owners benefited from the EU Pet Travel Scheme known as the PETS scheme. This system allowed dogs, cats, and ferrets to travel freely across EU member states and participating countries without quarantine, as long as they had a valid pet passport issued by an authorised vet.

The pet passport verified important details such as the dog’s microchip, rabies vaccinations, and treatments against parasites like tapeworm and fleas. This made travel straightforward and less stressful for pets and their owners.

More than just an administrative convenience, the PETS scheme ensured that pet travel did not increase the risk of diseases such as rabies entering the UK or other countries.

What Has Changed Post-Brexit?

Since the UK left the EU, the UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel to EU member countries. Instead, owners must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official vet within ten days prior to travel. The AHC permits travel for a single trip only, so a new certificate is needed for every journey.

Dogs must also meet the previous requirements, such as being microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travelling. Some EU countries require additional health checks, including a rabies antibody titre test, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travelling, especially for long stays or if relocating permanently.

Furthermore, for travel to certain countries free from Echinococcus multilocularis (a dangerous tapeworm), dogs must receive a tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before entering the country.

Travelling into the EU with your dog now also means passing through designated Travellers’ Points of Entry, where checks may be conducted to ensure compliance with pet travel regulations.

Additional Pet Travel Considerations

Besides the documentation, changes have affected airlines and ferry operators’ pet travel policies. These include revised carrier size rules, restrictions on certain dog breeds, and seasonal travel limitations. It’s important to check each transport provider’s current pet policy when planning a trip.

Because Brexit also altered border controls and travel rights, there may be delays or extra checks when crossing between the UK and EU, so allowing extra time for your pet’s trip is wise.

Hope on the Horizon: EU-Style Pet Passports Returning

There is positive news for UK pet owners. In May 2025, the UK and EU agreed in principle to reinstate a lifelong EU-style pet passport scheme for British pets travelling to and from the EU. Once active, this will reduce paperwork and the need to secure a new Animal Health Certificate for every trip, simplifying the process greatly.

Additionally, from June 2025, travellers moving dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will require a Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) tailored for that region.

Summary: How to Prepare for Brexit Pet Travel

1. Plan ahead: Start preparations well before your trip, including microchipping and vaccinations.
2. Obtain the Animal Health Certificate: Visit an authorised UK vet to get your dog's AHC within 10 days of travel.
3. Check specific country requirements: Some countries require additional tests and treatments, like a rabies titre test or tapeworm treatments.
4. Use designated points of entry: Ensure your pet enters the EU only via authorised border points.
5. Research travel providers: Confirm current pet travel policies with airlines or ferry companies.
6. Monitor ongoing changes: Regulations may continue evolving; stay updated via official government or pet travel resources.

Traveling with your dog post-Brexit requires more care and documentation than before, but with good preparation and awareness, pet owners can continue to enjoy holidays and visits across Europe with their cherished companions.

Being an informed and responsible pet owner helps ensure your dog's safety and smooth border crossings, as well as preserving the welfare of all animals in the shared travel space.