Pets abroad rules: What are the rules for taking pets abroad in Brexit deal?
BREXIT trade deal negotiations have now concluded. What are the rules for taking pets abroad after the transition period ends?
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The post-Brexit transition period is due to end on December 31, 2020. From January 1, 2021, the UK will be subject to a number of new rules and regulations when it comes to our interactions with the EU, affecting everything from trade to travel.
Since the UK formally left the EU on January 21, 2020, the transition period has meant rules on trade, travel and business with the EU have remained unchanged this year.
For several months the UK and the EU have been engaged in Brexit negotiations, and in recent weeks there have been significant concerns the UK will leave negotiations behind without a trade deal.
The Prime Minister announced on Christmas Eve that a post-Brexit trade deal has now been agreed between the UK and the EU.
He held a press conference on December 24 at Downing Street to announce the news.
What are the rules for taking pets abroad in the Brexit deal?
The current Government guidance on the issue of pet travel to the EU was last updated on December 16.
The guidance currently states an EU pet passport issued in Great Britain will not be valid for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland from January 1, 2021.
Under the current guidance, only animal owners from Northern Ireland will continue to have access to the EU pet passport scheme.
Animal owners from England, Wales and Scotland will need to complete extra steps in order to travel to the EU with their pet.
Dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped to travel.
Dogs, cats and ferrets must also be vaccinated against rabies, and pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
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Owners must also wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
The EU agreed Great Britain should be given “part two listed status” under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which allows pets to travel within its borders.
Under this rule, owners need to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pets in order to travel.
Owners need to take their pets to the vet and obtain an ACH certificate no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.
Proof of microchipping and your pet’s vaccination history needs to be provided.
The Government guidance adds: “If you’re travelling with your dog directly to Finland, Republic of Ireland, NI, Norway or Malta, it must have treatment against tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis).
“Your dog will need to receive treatment 1 to 5 days before arriving in any of these countries.
“Your vet must enter full details on the AHC following treatment.”