[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”reg,2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″]A no-deal Brexit will make travelling with furry friends to the EU a lot more complicated, according to the British government. With delays up to four months possible, entering the European Union with pets will now be subject to certain regulations, the same as those for someone entering with pets from outside the EU.

If the UK leaves without a deal the following rules will need to be followed in order for pets to gain entry.

1. All pets will require a microchip.
2. Pets must have a blood sample taken a minimum of 30 days after its most recent rabies vaccination (this goes for both vaccinations and boosters).
3. A vet then needs to send the blood sample to an EU approved blood testing lab, which will check that your pet has a certain level of rabies antibodies in its blood. If the level is not high enough, then your pet will need a booster vaccine.
4. You cannot travel until three months after a successful rabies test.
5. 10 days or less before your departure date, it is necessary to obtain an animal health certificate from your vet. To get the certificate you will need to provide proof that your pet is microchipped, a complete vaccination history and a successful rabies test result. The certificate will only be accepted if it has been issued within 10 days of your date of travel and will be valid for four months from the date of issue.
6. You do not need a new blood test every time you travel, but you will need a new health certificate if issuance was more than four months from the last one.

If the proper paperwork is not presented at the border, pets could be subject to quarantine up to four months, or in the case of sea travel, refused entry altogether. Charges accrued during the period of quarantine will be the responsibility of the pet owner.

The British government currently says it will still allow pets coming from the EU into the UK to enter on their existing passports, despite there being no reciprocity.

Sources: Thelocal.fr, Gov.uk

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