By Ahmed Abdelsalam
The United Kingdom is preparing to reintroduce pet passports for travel to European Union countries, a move expected to reduce costs and simplify paperwork for British pet owners. The scheme, which was replaced by animal health certificates after Brexit, would allow dogs, cats and ferrets to move between the UK and EU member states under a single lifelong document.
Simpler process for pet owners
Under the current system, owners must obtain a new animal health certificate from a veterinarian for each trip to the EU, costing up to £200 per journey. The restored pet passport would eliminate the need for repeated certification, requiring only a valid rabies vaccination and microchip registration. The change follows negotiations between UK and EU veterinary authorities to align health standards.
Implementation timeline
Officials indicate the pet passport could be available within months, pending final regulatory approval. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the scheme would apply to Great Britain, while Northern Ireland continues to follow EU pet travel rules under the Windsor Framework. Pet owners are advised to keep rabies vaccinations up to date in preparation for the transition.
