What to know about EU pet passport changes as loophole is closed

22 Apr 2026 • 7:07 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

What to know about EU pet passport changes as loophole is closed

  • Brussels has tightened rules, invalidating EU pet passports previously used by British residents for travel to the Continent or the island of Ireland.
  • British residents must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each journey with their pet dog, cat, or ferret to the EU or Northern Ireland.
  • The new European law clarifies that pet passports are exclusively for owners whose main residence is within the European Union.
  • Each AHC costs approximately £200 and must be issued by a vet within 10 days of travel, confirming microchipping and rabies vaccination.
  • The change has caused concern among some pet owners who feel they were not given sufficient notice, leading to increased demand for last-minute AHC appointments.

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