British-based animal lovers have been warned that new EU travel rules have made most pet passports invalid.
Anyone travelling into the EU with pet dogs, cats and ferrets will need new documents and should no longer use EU pet passports, under the rules which came into force on Wednesday.
The GOV.UK website, which says the rules also apply to assistance dogs, states: “If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, from 22 April you cannot use a pet passport (even if it was issued in the EU).
“If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.”
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The changes mean that anyone travelling from Great Britain to an EU country with a pet will now need to get an animal health certificate (AHC) before they set off.
Travellers will need to get a vet to issue an AHC within ten days of their trip.
A new certificate will be needed for each trip to the EU.
The AHC can be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for re‑entering Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations are still valid.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said “holidays with your pets are still possible” despite the new EU rules changes.
An APHA spokesman said: “Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they are travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
Under the new rules, EU pet passports are now only to be issued to people whose main base is in the EU and not to holiday home owners or seasonal visitors.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said individual member states may have specific pet travel requirements and owners should always check the entry details before travelling.
British-based travellers can still use EU pet passports for their return journey back home.
The government is updating its guidance to pet owners in light of the new EU regulations.
Extra paperwork will also be needed if the owner is not travelling with their pet.
Whoever is taking the animal abroad must have written permission from the owner.
Up to five days are allowed before the pet and owner must travel abroad.
Travellers are now also only allowed to have a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle.
There may be an exception for pets travelling to competitions, events or training.
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