Forthcoming changes to EU pet travel legislation

[maz]

I think it refers to the certain countries mentioned- you currently need to do tapeworm treatment before entry into those countries as well as the UK regs on the way home

As I understand it, since Br*x*t we have kept EU Regulation 576/2013 on the UK statute books as an 'assimilated' or 'retained' EU law, which is currently the legal basis for the tapeworm treatment requirement to enter the UK. Before this regulation came into force there was the similar EU 998/2003, which first introduced Pet Passports. I believe that during at least part of the lifetime of that regulation we still had our own national tapeworm treatment requirement in place, but I could be wrong on that as it was before I ever took a dog abroad. Perhaps a more seasoned pet traveller can recall the details?

I have a question for the more legally qualified among us: What happens if an assimilated EU law is repealed while we are still using it? Can we extend its lifetime indefinitely or would it just cease to exist? Anyone know?

 

[Davecrawf]

Various changes to EU pet travel legislation are on the horizon. I have started this thread so that we can keep track of these changes in one place, and discuss the effects that they will have on British travellers.

On 21 April 2026 EU Regulation 2016/429 will come into force regarding the non-commercial movement of pet animals. This will replace the current EU Regulation 576/2013, which includes a derogation (Article 27) permitting pets to enter the EU from third countries using a Pet Passport instead of an Animal Health Certificate.

However, since Br*x*t it has become increasingly apparent that the EU is not exactly thrilled about Brits obtaining and using Pet Passports in this way. Americans, Canadians, etc have been making use of the Article 27 derogation for years, but it was only when Brits started doing the same that any EU eyebrows (or possibly hackles) were raised. Their two contact centres, Europe Direct and Your Europe, have both been trying to deter Brits from using EU Pet Passports by pushing their own preferred interpretation of EU 576/2013, rather than the way it has been interpreted and implemented ever since it was introduced. Last November a new phrase appeared on the Your Europe 'Travelling with pets' webpage: 'The European pet passport (for dogs, cats and ferrets) is only issued to pet owners who are resident in the EU'. Legally, this is currently not the case but it may give an indication of the EU's intention for the new regulation.


View attachment 1012742

Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htm

EU Regulation 2016/429 was enacted back in 2016 but it is a very lengthy regulation covering many aspects of animal health. It is generally just referred to as the Animal Health Law. The introduction of the section relating to the non-commercial movement of pet animals (Part VI) was deferred because it followed too closely on the heels of EU 576/2013. A 10-year transitional period was agreed and this is now coming to its end. Within Part VI, Article 254 refers to delegated acts concerning animal identification documents. Currently we are waiting to see if a derogation similar to Article 27 will be granted within these acts, and any other requirements that may be introduced.

View attachment 1012743

At the meeting of the Animal Health and Welfare section of the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF) on 22-23 January, the European Commission presented its plans for changes to the legal framework on the non-commercial movement of pet animals. The presentation given at this meeting outlines plans for a single Delegated Act, essentially based on EU 576/2013 but with 'tweaks'.

View attachment 1012744

The presentation can be viewed here:

https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/..._en?filename=reg-com_ahw_20250122_pres-21.pdf

With just over a year to go before the new legislation takes effect, it is important for Brits to know as soon as possible what the changes to the legal framework will be. For example, if the use of Pet Passports is to be restricted to EU residents only, Brits planning to obtain one this year will need to consider whether it will be worthwhile.

One aspect of pet travel under the Animal Health Law that has already been clarified by a delegated regulation (EU 2020/692) is that the 'window' for tapeworm treatment of dogs will reduce from 24-120 hours to 24-48 hours. This will affect travel to the Republic of Ireland, Malta, Finland and Norway. Originally this reduced timeframe referred to the scheduled arrival time, as per the current 24-120 hour window. However, this was deemed to be impracticable and was subsequently amended (EU 2023/119) so that the 24-48 hour timeframe refers to departure time. This will obviously make it easier to comply with but it is still quite restrictive.

Another forthcoming EU regulation (currently at the draft report stage) concerns the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. While the bulk of this regulation refers to the welfare, breeding and sale of dogs and cats, a part of the proposal refers to a 'Union pet travellers database'.

View attachment 1012747

Source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AGRI-PR-766982_EN.pdf

View attachment 1012748

Source: https://www.lexpoint.pt/Fileget.aspx?FileId=55607

I have bookmarked a number of websites where further details of the above changes may subsequently become available but, in the meantime, if anyone comes across any official information on the subject please post it in this thread. Thank you.

After years of dithering, we decided to go for a pet passport this year
We already have the appointment made with Happy Pets in Mazarron. May need to reconsider
Thanks for all the info Maz

 

[maz]

After years of dithering, we decided to go for a pet passport this year
We already have the appointment made with Happy Pets in Mazarron. May need to reconsider
Thanks for all the info Maz

Yes, it's a bit difficult until we know more about the proposed changes. If the Pet Passport is relatively cheap and you are a fairly frequent traveller, I would probably be inclined to keep the appointment.

 

[Apacheman]

Yes, it's a bit difficult until we know more about the proposed changes. If the Pet Passport is relatively cheap and you are a fairly frequent traveller, I would probably be inclined to keep the appointment.

In full agreement. Even if you only got a couple of trips from it before it maybe goes belly up it would be worth the money.

 

[Whippet93]

It will all be hunky dory if the TOOL MAKERS SON gets his way, and we’re all back under the Brussels cosh.

Doesn't a tool makers son have tools all around him?

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[Whippet93]

Various changes to EU pet travel legislation are on the horizon. I have started this thread so that we can keep track of these changes in one place, and discuss the effects that they will have on British travellers.

On 21 April 2026 EU Regulation 2016/429 will come into force regarding the non-commercial movement of pet animals. This will replace the current EU Regulation 576/2013, which includes a derogation (Article 27) permitting pets to enter the EU from third countries using a Pet Passport instead of an Animal Health Certificate.

However, since Br*x*t it has become increasingly apparent that the EU is not exactly thrilled about Brits obtaining and using Pet Passports in this way. Americans, Canadians, etc have been making use of the Article 27 derogation for years, but it was only when Brits started doing the same that any EU eyebrows (or possibly hackles) were raised. Their two contact centres, Europe Direct and Your Europe, have both been trying to deter Brits from using EU Pet Passports by pushing their own preferred interpretation of EU 576/2013, rather than the way it has been interpreted and implemented ever since it was introduced. Last November a new phrase appeared on the Your Europe 'Travelling with pets' webpage: 'The European pet passport (for dogs, cats and ferrets) is only issued to pet owners who are resident in the EU'. Legally, this is currently not the case but it may give an indication of the EU's intention for the new regulation.


View attachment 1012742

Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htm

EU Regulation 2016/429 was enacted back in 2016 but it is a very lengthy regulation covering many aspects of animal health. It is generally just referred to as the Animal Health Law. The introduction of the section relating to the non-commercial movement of pet animals (Part VI) was deferred because it followed too closely on the heels of EU 576/2013. A 10-year transitional period was agreed and this is now coming to its end. Within Part VI, Article 254 refers to delegated acts concerning animal identification documents. Currently we are waiting to see if a derogation similar to Article 27 will be granted within these acts, and any other requirements that may be introduced.

View attachment 1012743

At the meeting of the Animal Health and Welfare section of the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF) on 22-23 January, the European Commission presented its plans for changes to the legal framework on the non-commercial movement of pet animals. The presentation given at this meeting outlines plans for a single Delegated Act, essentially based on EU 576/2013 but with 'tweaks'.

View attachment 1012744

The presentation can be viewed here:

https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/..._en?filename=reg-com_ahw_20250122_pres-21.pdf

With just over a year to go before the new legislation takes effect, it is important for Brits to know as soon as possible what the changes to the legal framework will be. For example, if the use of Pet Passports is to be restricted to EU residents only, Brits planning to obtain one this year will need to consider whether it will be worthwhile.

One aspect of pet travel under the Animal Health Law that has already been clarified by a delegated regulation (EU 2020/692) is that the 'window' for tapeworm treatment of dogs will reduce from 24-120 hours to 24-48 hours. This will affect travel to the Republic of Ireland, Malta, Finland and Norway. Originally this reduced timeframe referred to the scheduled arrival time, as per the current 24-120 hour window. However, this was deemed to be impracticable and was subsequently amended (EU 2023/119) so that the 24-48 hour timeframe refers to departure time. This will obviously make it easier to comply with but it is still quite restrictive.

Another forthcoming EU regulation (currently at the draft report stage) concerns the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. While the bulk of this regulation refers to the welfare, breeding and sale of dogs and cats, a part of the proposal refers to a 'Union pet travellers database'.

View attachment 1012747

Source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AGRI-PR-766982_EN.pdf

View attachment 1012748

Source: https://www.lexpoint.pt/Fileget.aspx?FileId=55607

I have bookmarked a number of websites where further details of the above changes may subsequently become available but, in the meantime, if anyone comes across any official information on the subject please post it in this thread. Thank you.

What a lot of information, thank you for the time it must have taken to look into this.

 

[Davecrawf]

Yes, it's a bit difficult until we know more about the proposed changes. If the Pet Passport is relatively cheap and you are a fairly frequent traveller, I would probably be inclined to keep the appointment.

Yes, I think I agree.
We have been quoted around €40, and have used this vets in the past. They are excellent. Our vet in the UK charged us over £200 for the AHC this year. Which is outrageous in my view.

 

[Brummie64]

Doesn't a tool makers son have tools all around him?

Never mind the tool makers son, we have clown prince Boris’s fabulous Br*x*t deal to thank for all this additional headache!

 

[Nigel P]

Thanks Maz for your continued research and knowledge on this really complicated legislation. I’ll continue to ´watch’ the thread with interest.
Will be interesting to see if any changes will be retroactive. Our French Pet Passport is pre-Br*x*t changes but even if this isn’t effected (obviously no guarantee) I still want to be knowledgeable (off your back ) for the future.
Thank you again for sharing.

It would appear to be a bit of spiteful tinkering yet again. If the proposed wording is taken at face value it should only apply to new issues to non-EU residents. A PP already issued should not be affected; as I have posted before it is a mess because the document is simply about the rabies status of the dog, it has sod all to do with where the owner may live at any particular time. As an example our dog has a passport issued in Eire, we have moved to Germany and then back to the UK. Is it realistic to assume that the EU PP ceases to be valid when we moved to the UK but then makes an amazing revovery when we move to Germany and dies again when we return to the UK! As there is no requirement for it to be the owner that travels with the dog it becomes even more farcical. We have family in Germany, they could be the nominal 'owner' whilst never actually having the dog, bit like a company car. It just seems the mess is destined to get worse rather than better.

 

[Motörhead Fun]

Sounds impractical to police to me. As previous respondents have highlighted, does the PP become invalid if one moves to GB?

And I have deliberately used the term GB because this will not affect all the UK. Northern Irish vets can still issue EU pet passports.

if this does come into force then my guess is that it will limit the issue of new PPs although I am sure some vets will still issue on the basis of the address you are staying at when you get the passport, i.e. a campsite or similar

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[maz]

It would appear to be a bit of spiteful tinkering yet again. If the proposed wording is taken at face value it should only apply to new issues to non-EU residents. A PP already issued should not be affected; as I have posted before it is a mess because the document is simply about the rabies status of the dog, it has sod all to do with where the owner may live at any particular time. As an example our dog has a passport issued in Eire, we have moved to Germany and then back to the UK. Is it realistic to assume that the EU PP ceases to be valid when we moved to the UK but then makes an amazing revovery when we move to Germany and dies again when we return to the UK! As there is no requirement for it to be the owner that travels with the dog it becomes even more farcical. We have family in Germany, they could be the nominal 'owner' whilst never actually having the dog, bit like a company car. It just seems the mess is destined to get worse rather than better.

The exact content of the new legislation will emerge over the next few months. My post is to alert people to the fact that the legislation will change on 21 April 2026. I will continue to post updates in this thread as soon as I find them.

The addition of the phrase 'The European pet passport (for dogs, cats and ferrets) is only issued to pet owners who are resident in the EU' to the Your Europe travel page has no legal validity at the moment. But the fact that it has been added at all is interesting.

 

[maz]

Sounds impractical to police to me. As previous respondents have highlighted, does the PP become invalid if one moves to GB?

And I have deliberately used the term GB because this will not affect all the UK. Northern Irish vets can still issue EU pet passports.

if this does come into force then my guess is that it will limit the issue of new PPs although I am sure some vets will still issue on the basis of the address you are staying at when you get the passport, i.e. a campsite or similar

There could be all sorts of changes made to arrangements for pet travel when the new law comes in on 21 April 2026. As more information becomes available I will post it here.

 

[Manic]

We already have a PP, I wonder if this would still be useable when these changes happen.

 

[Steve and Denise]

It will all be hunky dory if the TOOL MAKERS SON gets his way, and we’re all back under the Brussels cosh.

I’d like to put that dopy Starmmer under the cosh

 

[Mike Warland]

These are points that hopefully will become clarified in the fairly near future. I will post any further information as soon as I can find it.

Thanks for your research hopefully the passport will stand

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[15edward]

Thank you Maz for all the work you do around this subject.
Maybe we can keep the personalised political comments for elsewhere?

 

[maz]

Thank you Maz for all the work you do around this subject.
Maybe we can keep the personalised political comments for elsewhere?

I was thinking exactly the same thing so I just ignore them. I don't want this thread closed down because of political jibes.

 

[Molly A]

Thanks so to enter back into UK it will still be 1 to 5 days.

It will all be hunky dory if the TOOL MAKERS SON gets his way, and we’re all back under the Brussels cosh.

Would that your comment bore some semblance to the truth...

 

[Molly A]

Never mind the tool makers son, we have clown prince Boris’s fabulous Br*x*t deal to thank for all this additional headache!

Indeed we do... A salutary reminder....

 

[Landy Andy]

only issued to pet owners who are resident in the EU

This bit is the bit that gives me hope.
I read this as if you’ve got one you will be ok. They won’t issue a new one. So a new passport will only be issued to where the owner of the animal lives. Which makes sense. Is good for us. I know.

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[maz]

This bit is the bit that gives me hope.
I read this as if you’ve got one you will be ok. They won’t issue a new one. So a new passport will only be issued to where the owner of the animal lives. Which makes sense. Is good for us. I know.

Let's hope so. The thing is that 'that bit' has appeared on the Your Europe page well ahead of any details of the actual new legislation, so we don't yet know just what the terms of issue and/or usage of Pet Passports might be from 21 April next year.

'That bit' was only added in November last year - presumably as a deterrent to non-resident would-be Pet Passport owners. It is certainly meaningless under the existing regulation.

For those that want to play spot-the-difference, here is the Your Europe webpage as it used to be:

And here it is in its current form:

Unfortunately, taken together with the replies to any queries about Pet Passports from Europe Direct and Your Europe, I would say that the new legislation will give the EU the ideal opportunity to ensure that their preferred interpretation of current legislation becomes a reality.

For interest, a bit later I will fish out and post a copy of an enquiry that I sent to Your Europe a while ago, together with their reply.

 

[Brummie64]

One important point to note is that there isn’t a central database of all EU pet passports, each country will have their own database of microchip numbers, but not passport numbers.
Effectively the pet passport is an health certificate, and its validity is taken from the document in hand, there is no way to verify any information on the passport centrally.
If you were to lose a pet passport, you would need to start again and take your dog to an EU vet, and that may entail first getting an AHC in order to first leave GB.

Anyway the point I am making is, there is no way the EU can revoke pet passports, because there are no central records of passports issued. They would have to scrap the scheme, revoke all passports and start a new scheme, with new passports of a different design or colour, and I can’t see that happening.

Of course they could start to expect vets to check residency of applicants, but that wouldn’t effect those owners who already have a passport for their pet.

 

[maz]

One important point to note is that there isn’t a central database of all EU pet passports, each country will have their own database of microchip numbers, but not passport numbers.
Effectively the pet passport is an health certificate, and its validity is taken from the document in hand, there is no way to verify any information on the passport centrally.
If you were to lose a pet passport, you would need to start again and take your dog to an EU vet, and that may entail first getting an AHC in order to first leave GB.

Anyway the point I am making is, there is no way the EU can revoke pet passports, because there are no central records of passports issued. They would have to scrap the scheme, revoke all passports and start a new scheme, with new passports of a different design or colour, and I can’t see that happening.

Of course they could start to expect vets to check residency of applicants, but that wouldn’t effect those owners who already have a passport for their pet.

I see no reason for the EU to revoke existing Pet Passports - it would be a pointless exercise. There are however plans afoot to tighten up issues of identification and registration of dogs (and cats), spurred on by a wish to put an end to puppy smuggling. The animal welfare association 'Four Paws' is a useful source of reports on the subject. The development of a pet registration database connected throughout the EU (along the lines of Europetnet) is an item currently under consideration.

 

[maz]

As mentioned a bit earlier, here is a copy of an enquiry that I sent to Your Europe back in September:

Since Brexit, a considerable number of British residents (including myself) have obtained EU Pet Passports for our dogs from vets within the EU, which we have then been able to use to travel between GB and the EU instead of an AHC. EU Regulation 576/2013 makes no mention of EU residency as a requirement to use a Pet Passport. Article 27 even provides the derogation that a dog can enter the EU from a third country using a Pet Passport instead of an AHC if said Pet Passport was issued by an authorised vet within the EU. This method has been used by American residents for years, and the APHIS website states: 'The purpose of the EU Pet Passport is to simplify travel between EU Member States, but the EU has also allowed it to be used for pets returning to the EU from other countries as long as it is a non-commercial movement.'

However, there are a number of people on various forums and Facebook groups who declare that the use of EU Pet Passports in this way is 'illegal'. This view has been reinforced by replies from the Europe Direct Contact Centre to questions about the validity of EU Pet Passports issued to non-EU residents. These replies contain phrases such as:

'Further to your enquiry, we inform you that an EU pet passport is an identification document which must be used for pet animals moving from a Member State to another Member State and, therefore residing normally with their owner within the EU. This means that the guiding principle for pet travel is that the owner's address determines an animal's nationality.'

'Pet passports issued to pet owners resident in the UK cannot be considered as a valid document for travelling with pets into the EU. In case of such movement, the general rule applies and an animal health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in the third country is required for each entry of an accompanying pet.'

These phrases seem designed to deter British residents from obtaining and using EU Pet Passports, even though in practice there is no problem with doing so. The address written in the Pet Passport has never been of any interest to Border Control, and there is no reason why it should be.

The replies from the Europe Direct Contact Centre never come straight out and state that it is illegal for a British resident to use an EU Pet Passport - presumably because it isn't.

Instead they use terms like 'Pet passports issued to residents in the UK' instead of 'UK-issued Pet Passports', which is the only way the second phrase quoted makes any kind of sense.

Please can you clarify the actual legal position regarding the use of EU Pet Passports (issued by a vet in the EU) by British residents to travel into the EU. Thank you.

And the (totally unworkable) reply that I received from Your Europe:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find below the reply to your enquiry. Please note that the advice given by Your Europe Advice is an independent advice and cannot be considered to be the opinion of the European Commission, of any other EU institution or its staff nor will this advice be binding upon the European Commission, any other EU or national institution.

Thank you for contacting Your Europe Advice.

We are sorry to hear of your difficulties.

It is true that there is no prohibition on a veterinarian issuing an EU pet passport to a pet whose owner is not resident in the EU country where the veterinarian is established.

However, the fact that your pet might be issued with an EU pet passport does not exempt you from the need to comply with the rules on the importation of pets from the UK into the EU.

You refer to Article 27 of EU Regulation 576/2013. However, your understanding on its applicability is not quite correct.

Article 27 states as follows:

By way of derogation from Article 25(1), Member States shall authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals of the species listed in Part A of Annex I accompanied by the identification document issued in accordance with Article 22 where:

the identification document has been issued in one of the territories or third countries listed pursuant to Article 13(1);
or
such pet animals enter a Member State, after movement to or transit through a territory or a third country from a Member State, and the identification document was completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian certifying that, before leaving the Union, the pet animals:
(i) received the anti-rabies vaccination provided for in point (b) of Article 10(1); and (ii) underwent the rabies antibody titration test provided for in point (c) of Article 10(1), except in the case of the derogation provided for in Article 12.

This means that Member States are obliged to allow the movement of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets as listed in Part A of Annex I) on their territory if they are accompanied by a pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian established in the EU (i.e. the identification document issued in accordance with Article 22) provided either one of the following conditions applies:

(a) the pet passport has been issued in a specified non-EU country or territory (Andorra, Switzerland, Faeroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State, i.e. one of the territories or third countries listed pursuant to Article 13(1) )
or
(b) the pet travels from outside the EU into the EU, but originally departed from another EU country and transited or travelled to outside the EU and the pet passport was issued by an authorised veterinarian certifying that the pet received the anti-rabies vaccination and, whenever required, the rabies antibody titration test.

As a result, given that the pets original departure point was not in the EU, Article 27 of EU Regulation 576/2013 would not apply to a pet which was originally from the UK and who was later issued with an EU pet passport by a veterinarian in the EU.

While we consider the EU pet passport would be valid (and there would be nothing illegal in obtaining one), it would not provide exemption from the rules on movement of pets from outside the EU.

The rules on the movement of pets are contained in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 of 28 June 2013 on the model identification documents for the non-commercial movement of pets.

What matters for these rules is the place of departure and destination of their travel.

As your pet will travel to the EU from a point of departure in the UK, the rules on movement of pets from outside the EU apply in full.

If you are travelling from the UK to an EU country, you need to comply with all the rules that apply to the movement of pets from outside the EU. An EU pet passport is not sufficient for this purpose. This is only of use when travelling from one EU country to another, but it is also accepted for travel from the EU back to the UK (as confirmed on the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/bring=pet-to-great-britain/ pet-passport)

You will need your vet to fill out a Model Health Certificate and you will need to complete a Model Owner s Declaration (see links below) and must do so no earlier than 10 days before your date of travel.

[I have not bothered including all the links]

We trust that the above answers your enquiry.

We remain at your disposal should you require further information or advice on EU rights.

Yours sincerely,

[no name]

Your Europe Advice

Obviously this is not how it currently works in the real world but seems to be how they wish it did.

 

[Ziggy123]

Thank you for posting this and for all your efforts deciphering it! I have just read the reply you got from Your Europe and not really understood a word of it!

We also took the plunge and got our dog a pet passport in Germany on the way home from our last trip. He will be 10 in June and a large breed, so we did not know how long he will be fit enough to travel with us, so had dithered for a while whether we should, but then decided at just over 100 euros for passport/3 years rabies booster and his return home worming...they also descaled his teeth a bit!..that by trip two this year it will have easily covered itself (AHC repeat at £69) and anything else is a bonus.

I am hoping the way it is worded that current EU pet passports will remain valid, unless they put in more detail to say you have to provide proof of current EU residency for it to remain valid, but I would have thought this would be hard when it currently says an EU pet passport is valid for the life of your pet. I wonder too if this will work both ways if they do enforce residency status and the UK will insist in return that all pets travelling to the UK with EU residents will require AHC rather than a valid EU pet passport.

I totally get they are trying to ensure safe movement of animals its just a shame if they use it as political gain to further punish UK citizens.

Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated.

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[maz]

Thank you for posting this and for all your efforts deciphering it! I have just read the reply you got from Your Europe and not really understood a word of it!

Essentially the Your Europe reply is saying that you can only use a Pet Passport to enter the EU from a third country if the animal it relates to started life within the EU. So for example a rescue dog from Hungary or a pedigree poodle bred in France that subsequently went to live in England would be able to travel back to the EU on a Pet Passport.

However, following this logic would mean that a pedigree bulldog bred in England that subsequently went to live in France would not be able to travel back into the EU on a Pet Passport after it went on holiday to England.

Obviously this is total b*ll*x and totally unenforceable with the current legislation.

 

[peps dad]

Hi,
Apologies if this has been clarified before, Ive tried to find out I’m but still not 100% sure.
Pep already has a pet passport issued in Spain. It is due to run out in April so he needs a rabies jab.
We are usually there regularly but have been had to pause travelling to Spain due to ongoing health treatment. We thought the easiest way to get an update would be a trip to Ireland.
We plan to travel in the MH from Scotland to Belfast, then into Ireland, near Sligo to see a vet and have the passport updated.
My concern is that I’m unsure about tapeworm treatments travelling there and back. Do I need any, to get into NI, or into Eire, or on the return journey? I’ve also seen we may need to fill in an online form making them aware we are travelling into the E.U area?
Any advice welcome.
Thanks

 

[rb62]

Hi,
Apologies if this has been clarified before, Ive tried to find out I’m but still not 100% sure.
Pep already has a pet passport issued in Spain. It is due to run out in April so he needs a rabies jab.
We are usually there regularly but have been had to pause travelling to Spain due to ongoing health treatment. We thought the easiest way to get an update would be a trip to Ireland.
We plan to travel in the MH from Scotland to Belfast, then into Ireland, near Sligo to see a vet and have the passport updated.
My concern is that I’m unsure about tapeworm treatments travelling there and back. Do I need any, to get into NI, or into Eire, or on the return journey? I’ve also seen we may need to fill in an online form making them aware we are travelling into the E.U area?
Any advice welcome.
Thanks

As far as I am aware no checks are being carried out at the moment,there certainly weren't any when we travelled over Cainryan to Belfast in June last year but a new scheme is due to be introduced in June this year,allegedly

Northern Ireland pet travel scheme

A new scheme for people taking their pet dog (or assistance dog), cat or ferret from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be launched on 4 June 2025.

www.gov.uk

 

[Ziggy123]

Essentially the Your Europe reply is saying that you can only use a Pet Passport to enter the EU from a third country if the animal it relates to started life within the EU. So for example a rescue dog from Hungary or a pedigree poodle bred in France that subsequently went to live in England would be able to travel back to the EU on a Pet Passport.

However, following this logic would mean that a pedigree bulldog bred in England that subsequently went to live in France would not be able to travel back into the EU on a Pet Passport after it went on holiday to England.

Obviously this is total b*ll*x and totally unenforceable with the current legislation.

Oh wow they definitely like to make it complicated! That also implies that a pet passport is literally like a human passport and not just to prove vaccination & health status like it's original purpose!

 

[maz]

Oh wow they definitely like to make it complicated! That also implies that a pet passport is literally like a human passport and not just to prove vaccination & health status like it's original purpose!

Yes, it's quite mad but this is the sort of thing that both Europe Direct (the bog standard contact centre) and Your Europe (the in-depth version) have been putting out for some time now.

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