Travelling with Pets
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The UK has left the EU. There will now be a transition period from 31 January to 30 December 2020. During the transition period existing rules and arrangements will remain in place to allow people to travel in Europe in the same way as they do now. During the transition period you will continue to be able to use an EU pet passport. This page will updated throughout the transition period. |
Cats, dogs and ferrets
From 1 January 2021, the UK and the Isle of Man will become a Part 2 listed third country for pet travel into the EU and Northern Ireland (NI). At present we have the freedom to travel with pet cats, dogs and ferrets from the UK and the Isle of Man into the EU and NI using an EU Pet Passport. However, from 1 January 2021 EU Pet Passports, issued in the UK or Isle of Man, will cease to be valid for entry into and travel within the EU and NI. Instead, you'll need to ensure that you have an animal health certificate (AHC).
In order to make sure that your pet is ready to travel to the EU and NI, you'll need to follow the steps laid out below:
1. You must have your dog, cat or ferret microchipped.
2. Vaccinate your dog, cat or ferret against rabies – your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated.
3. Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
4. Visit your vet to get an AHC for your pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.
You will need to contact your private vet as early as possible - at least four months in advance in order to start preparing your pet for travel.
Full details on the process for travelling to, from and within the EU from 1 January 2021, can be found here, or speak to your private vet. The requirements for IOM-EU pet travel are the same as those for UK-EU pet travel.
The UK Government is recommending contacting your vet at least 4 months before you plan on travelling to any EU country.
Your pet may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months if you do not follow these rules - or refused entry if you travelled by sea.
There are currently no changes envisaged to the current requirements for pets entering the Isle of Man or UK from the EU from 1 January 2021.
There are currently no official requirements for dogs, cats or ferrets travelling between the Isle of Man, the UK (exluding NI) and the Channel Islands.
More information about taking pets abroad can be found at gov.uk
