Travelling to the EU with your pet

Planning a European getaway with your pet? Then there’s an important rule change you need to be aware of.

From 22 April 2026, British pet owners are no longer able to travel with their cats, dogs or ferrets using the EU pet passport scheme.

If you’re used to travelling with an EU pet passport, here’s what you need to know:

• England, Scotland and Wales residents can no longer rely on EU pet passports to enter the EU
• Even if you already have one, it won’t be valid for travel from Great Britain
• Instead, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip

The rules apply to the non-commercial movement of pets – in other words, holidays and personal travel with your dog or cat.

Note that you can still use a pet passport if you live in Northern Ireland. Check out the DAERA guidance for more.

What is an Animal Health Certificate (and why you need one)?

An AHC is now the main document you’ll need to take your pet from Great Britain into the EU.

Here’s how it works:

• You’ll need to get it from a registered vet before you travel
• It confirms your pet meets EU health requirements, including rabies vaccination
• It’s valid for a single trip from Great Britain

While there’s no set price, getting an AHC issued can be costly. Price comparison site Go.Compare found that prices ranged from £99 for your first pet (although adding a second usually costs less) to over £200.

It’s important to get one in good time too, as prices go up if you need an emergency AHC to be issued.

There is some good news, though. Once issued:

• The certificate can now be used for onward travel within the EU for up to six months
• It can also be used for re-entry into Great Britain, as long as your pet’s rabies vaccination remains valid

Do the rules differ by country?

Yes – and this is where it’s worth doing a bit of homework.

Different EU countries can have additional requirements, such as:

• Specific parasite treatments
• Extra documentation
• Entry point restrictions

Before you travel, always check the rules for your destination country to avoid any nasty surprises at the border.

What if someone else is travelling with your pet?

If your pet is travelling with someone else – for example, a friend, family member or pet transport service – there are extra steps to follow:

• Your pet must travel within five days of you
• The person travelling with them must carry written permission from you
• This permission must be kept with your pet’s travel documents

It’s a small detail, but one that could cause delays if missed.

How many pets can you travel with?

There’s also a change to how many pets you can take in one vehicle.

• You can now travel with up to five pets per private vehicle
• The limit remains five per person if you’re travelling on foot

There are exceptions for pets travelling to competitions or events – but these come with additional conditions.

What about coming back to the UK?

The rules for returning to Great Britain are largely unchanged.

• You can still use an EU pet passport for your return journey
• Your pet will need to meet UK entry requirements, including valid vaccinations

So while outbound travel has changed, coming home should be less hassle.

Practical tips for travelling with your dog or cat

To help your trip go smoothly, here are a few simple steps to take before you travel:

Plan ahead

Book your vet appointment early. Animal Health Certificates need to be issued close to your departure date, but availability could be limited.

Check vaccinations

Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date, as this is essential for travel.

Find out more about dog vaccinations and jabs for cats.

Keep documents organised

Carry all paperwork together, including:

• Your Animal Health Certificate
• Vaccination records
• Any additional country-specific documents

Think about comfort

Long journeys can be stressful for pets, so bring familiar items like:

• Their bed or blanket
• Food and water
• Favourite toys or comfort items

Get covered

Travel can bring unexpected situations, from illness abroad to trip cancellations. Having the right pet insurance can give you added peace of mind.

With Petgevity policies, you can add Travel and Holiday cover as an optional extra. This can cover:

• Vet fees abroad
• Emergency return home
• Cancellation or cutting short your trip
• Delayed return
• Quarantine expenses

Terms and conditions apply.

And don’t forget insurance for yourself! Check out single-trip or annual travel insurance with Staysure to give you peace of mind should anything go wrong while abroad.

For more expert advice on planning a smooth trip, listen to travel author Lottie Gross share top tips on dog-friendly stays, managing travel anxiety, and hassle-free transport on our podcast: How to holiday with your dog.

A quick word from the experts

An Animal and Plant Health (APHA) spokesperson said:

“From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible.

“Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.

“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”

So travelling to the EU with your dog or cat is still very much possible, although it requires more preparation than before. And it comes at a cost.

But by getting the right documents sorted, checking the rules for your destination and planning ahead, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your trip together.

Is travelling abroad with your dog too much of a faff? Check out the best places in the UK for a dogcation.