Overview
- Great Britain residents taking dogs, cats or ferrets to the EU must use an Animal Health Certificate after Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with vets issuing it within 10 days of entry.
- EU pet passports are now only for people whose main home is in the EU, ending the workaround used by some GB holiday‑home owners and frequent visitors.
- Animal Health Certificates are single‑use for entry but can be used for up to six months for onward travel in the EU and for return to Great Britain if the rabies vaccination stays valid.
- New procedural rules cap private vehicles at five pets and require written permission when a pet travels without its owner within five days of the owner’s journey.
- Vets and officials urge early planning as certificates commonly cost about £99 to £350 and member states may add entry rules, with warnings of tight appointment slots and possible border delays.