An update on EU Pet Travel from the UK, The rules have changed and its important to check what your Pet will require well in advance
There has been some clarification following the announcement of a closing of the loophole for UK residents to use an EU pet passport to travel with their pet to the EU thus avoiding the use of an Animal health certificate.
An updated page on the Gov.uk website
https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
States more clearly the requirement for an animal health certificate for travel into the EU, and while these Animal Health certificates (AHC) are single use, they will be valid for a longer period from 4 to 6 months travel within the EU before return to the UK.
There are also changes which limit one vehicle to 5 pets only from 5 pets per traveling person (some exemptions are available).
I understand new AHC forms will shortly become available to official vets for completion, but the current certificates will be valid until then. However there is no official date for the long-heralded return to the GB Pet passport. It is thought, that perhaps at sometime in 2027 they may reappear.
While Le Shuttle previously stated that an EU pet passport could still be valid until its tapeworm treatment pages were filled.
They have this afternoon issued an update on their website.
https://www.leshuttle.com/uk-en/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-pets/pet-travel-requirements
They are now stating that it is your responsibility to check official pages including
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htm
Irish ferries are stating that to travel pets will require and AHC but to bring their EU passports with them as additional documentation.
P&O Ferries also state that an AHC is required as current EU Pet passports are invalid. “Following a recent change in legislation, EU-issued pet passports are no longer valid for Great Britain residents, regardless of when or where they were issued.”
https://www.poferries.com/en/travel-information/travelling-with-a-pet#route
I have not checked every possible route or provider, but it would make a lot of sense to check for your self and make sure your pet is prepared for travel.
AHC’s do require some time to prepare and so will evitability cost more to produce than a passport. As UK vets, we have to undergo training to fill these long and exacting forms correctly including an exam and pay to do the training in the first place, plus constantly update our knowledge. We also must revalidate the course every few years. The are not my favourite veterinary task, but we do provide them as a service at New Lodge Vets. We do require a reasonable prior notice for their completion due to the time taken to discuss, advise and complete these forms.