Everything you need to know about: Brexit & The Pet Travel Scheme

With the current uncertainty around Brexit we do not know if your pet’s passport will be valid as normal after March 2019. There are three potential outcomes for the UK with regard to pets travelling abroad.

Potential Outcome 1

The UK becomes a Part 1 listed country then the set up with regard to pet passports & rabies vaccinations will remain pretty much as it is at the moment. Very little will change.

Potential Outcome 2

The UK becomes a Part 2 listed country then all the current passport regulations would still apply but animals would also require a Model Health Certificate to travel.

It is expected that a model health certificate would be issued by an official veterinarian at least 21 days post Rabies vaccination and within 10 days of travel. The certificate would be valid for 4 months for travel within the EU.

Potential Outcome 3

The UK becomes an Unlisted country the following requirements for travel would need to be adhered to:

• A blood sample would need to be taken 30 days after vaccination with Rabies.
• The animal would not be able to travel until it had a certificate with a required antibody titre from an approved laboratory and 3 months had elapsed since the date of blood sampling.
• The animal would also require a Model Health Certificate.
• The animal would have to enter the EU via a designated travellers point of entry (as yet, unspecified location).

All of the above outcomes are possible, therefore careful consideration should be given if you are planning to travel with your pet abroad. Please book an appointment with a vet to discuss if this might affect you and contact DEFRA if you require any further information or advice. We will inform you of any further developments as and when they happen on our Facebook page and on our website.