Pet Owners Warned as New EU Travel Rules Tighten Requirements for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets

Pet owners in the UK are being warned of new EU travel rules that change how animals such as dogs, cats, and ferrets can be taken across borders, introducing stricter documentation requirements and potential travel disruption.

The updated regulations mean that UK residents can no longer use EU pet passports when travelling from Great Britain to EU countries. Instead, travellers must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip, issued by a vet within 10 days before departure.

The change applies across England, Scotland, and Wales and affects both holidaymakers and regular travellers. Authorities have warned that pets arriving at EU borders with invalid documentation risk being refused entry, making compliance essential for smooth travel.

Under the new system, the AHC is a single-use document, meaning pet owners must get a new certificate every time they travel to the EU. While the certificate can be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and re-entry to the UK, it does not replace the old pet passport system for repeated trips.

Additional rules also include limits on the number of pets allowed per vehicle—typically up to five animals—and requirements for written permission if someone else is transporting the pet. These measures are part of broader efforts to standardise animal movement rules following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Officials have stressed that pet travel is still possible, but the process is now more regulated and costly than before. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has advised owners to check official guidance and destination-specific rules before travelling to avoid delays or complications.

The changes have sparked criticism from some pet owners and travel groups, who argue that the new system is more expensive and time-consuming. However, veterinary authorities say the updated requirements close loopholes that previously allowed UK residents to use EU-issued passports outside the intended rules.

Despite the concerns, officials maintain that the new framework is designed to protect animal health standards across borders while ensuring clearer compliance for travellers.

As the rules take effect, pet owners planning trips to Europe are being urged to prepare early, book veterinary appointments in advance, and ensure all documentation is correctly issued before departure.