Page 33 - AutumnWinterNL21
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Vet’s Corner
Travelling to Europe with your pet?
Changes you need to be aware of
The rules for travelling to the EU and Northern
Ireland with your pet have changed. It’s not
quite so straightforward now!
Since the 31st January 2021 you can no longer use a UK pet passport to
travel abroad. Instead you will need an Animal Health Certificate. These
are filled out by your vet (as long as they are an ‘Official Veterinarian’)
but can only be written within ten days of travel. They then can be used
for up to four months onward travel within the EU and subsequent re
entry to the UK. Each time you travel you will need a new certificate.
Your dog or cats’ rabies vaccination will also need to be up to date. If
you are travelling to Northern Ireland, Ireland, Norway, Malta or Finland
a tapeworm treatment will need to be given prior to travel. If you are
visiting any other EU countries you will still need to have a tapeworm
treatment given between 1 and 5 days before your entry to the UK.
One more thing - you (the owner) will need to travel with your pet or you
will need to authorise a specific other person to travel instead, however
you will need to join your pet within five days if this is the case. Whoever
will be travelling will need to be at the veterinary appointment.
If your pet has an EU passport, this can still be used for travel but only
for as long as the rabies vaccine is in date. However, be aware booster
rabies vaccinations cannot be entered by UK vets in EU passports
unfortunately!
Because of the complexities of the certificate your vet will most
likely want you to give them a few weeks notice to book a certificate
appointment.
Happy Travelling!
Leigh Sobye BVSc MRCVS
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