Dog owners in the UK now face new travel requirements when taking their pets to Europe. As of April 22, owners must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate is valid for a single trip only, with a maximum of five pets per vehicle.
New Travel Rules for Pets
The change has caught many pet owners by surprise. Previously, a simple pet passport sufficed for European travel, but now the process is more time-sensitive and costly. Darren Beale, CEO of dog food brand Years, explained that the new rules represent a significant shift in how people must plan travel with pets.
"This has caught a lot of people off guard. From yesterday, what used to be a relatively simple process has become something far more time-sensitive and expensive," Beale said. He noted that many pet owners are scrambling for last-minute vet appointments or being turned away at borders due to invalid paperwork.
Costs and Requirements
The Animal Health Certificate requires a vet appointment, health checks, and paperwork, costing between £100 and £300 per trip. For families traveling multiple times a year, these costs quickly add up. Beale emphasized that the certificate cannot be obtained at the last minute, as it involves a thorough process.
"An Animal Health Certificate isn't something you can sort the night before. It requires a vet appointment, checks, paperwork, and in many cases costs upwards of £100 to £300 per trip," he said.
Awareness and Impact
The biggest issue is lack of awareness. Many people booked trips assuming their existing pet passports would still be accepted, leading to frustration and ruined travel plans. Beale warned that the rapid rule change without widespread public understanding creates stress, added cost, and disruption.
"When rules change this quickly without widespread public understanding, it creates stress, added cost, and in some cases, ruined travel plans," he added.
Dog owners are urged to plan ahead and schedule vet appointments well in advance to avoid being caught out by the new regulations.
