The Brexit transition period ended on January 1st, 2021, which means there are new rules regarding pet travel between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the European Union.
There are different rules for travelling to an EU country and a non-EU country. Be sure to check the rules of the country you are travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.
AS from January 1st, 2021, all dog owners travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and other EU countries are required to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian for their dogs before every journey.
To qualify for an AHC, the following requirements must be met:
- Your dog must be microchipped
- Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated
- You must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travelling
- You must visit your vet to get your pet’s AHC no more than 10 days before travelling to the EU
Animal Health Certificates are valid for:
- 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
- a single trip for entry to the EU and a new certificate must be obtained for each entry
- Onward travel within the EU for four months after the date of issue
- Re-entry into GB for four months after the date of issue
- Entry to NI or the EU must be via a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry
Tapeworm treatment will be required between one and five days before arriving to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta. This will need to be administered by a vet prior to every journey.
Find out more on: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland