New EU Pet Travel Rules from April 2026

From 22 April 2026, important new EU rules will change how pets travel from Great Britain to Europe. These updates apply to the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets and are designed to bring pet travel regulations in line with wider EU animal health laws.

Pet passports are no longer valid

The most significant change is that EU pet passports will no longer be valid for pet owners who live in Great Britain. Even passports originally issued in EU countries or Northern Ireland can no longer be used unless the owner is an EU resident.

Instead, pet owners will need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian before every trip to the EU. This must be issued within 10 days of travel and confirms that your pet meets all health and vaccination requirements, including a valid rabies vaccination.

While the AHC is a single-use document, it does allow onward travel within the EU and return to Great Britain for a limited period, provided vaccinations remain valid.

Additional rules include a maximum of five pets per vehicle for non-commercial travel and extra documentation if someone else is transporting your pet.

These changes mean that planning ahead is more important than ever. If you’re considering travelling with your pet, we recommend speaking to your veterinary practice well in advance to ensure all requirements are met and your journey goes smoothly.