I will explain precisely what you must do to take your dog, cat, or even ferret from the UK into the EU. Since Brexit, taking your pet abroad has become a logistical and financial nightmare. So, I will make this article as simple and easy to follow as possible.
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Essential Preparations for EU Pet Travel
So, if you’re planning a road trip or holiday abroad and want to take your pet, you’ll need to prepare and ensure you have the correct certification and that your pets have the proper vaccinations before traveling.
To keep it simple, let’s completely forget about pre-Brexit rules and also clear something else up. The .gov website has contradicting information, so if you read this article and then visit the .gov website, you might well think, “Well, hold on a second, the Robbie Romes article is incorrect.” I can assure you that at the time of making this video in September 2023, this article was more accurate than the government website.
Traveling from the UK Mainland to Northern Ireland
Okay, so let’s begin with Northern Ireland. If you’d like to go to Northern Ireland from any part of the mainland UK, you do not need certification, treatments, or up-to-date vaccinations. At the time of making this video, there are no routine checks when traveling to Northern Ireland. They have suspended it indefinitely, as per the Northern Irish government website.
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If you’d like to go to mainland Ireland, you can get the ferry to Northern Ireland first and drive straight into the Republic, as there are no borders or checks. So, again, if you’re traveling from the UK mainland to Northern Ireland, no certification or vaccination is required.
Entering the Republic of Ireland or Other EU Countries
If you’re traveling directly from the UK mainland to the Republic of Ireland or any other EU country, you will need certification and some vaccinations.
Required Pet Vaccinations and Microchip Standards
So, what exactly do you and your pet need to travel from the mainland UK into the Republic of Ireland, France, or any other EU country?
- Number one: A valid rabies vaccination that is up to date.
- Number two: A valid microchip that can be easily scanned and read.
- Tapeworm Treatment for Specific Destinations
- Number three: If you’re traveling directly to Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta and you’re taking a dog, it will need a tapeworm treatment.
Understanding Animal Health Certificates vs. EU Pet Passports
Number four: You’ll need an animal health certificate or an EU pet passport. Note that an EU pet passport can’t be issued in England, Wales, or Scotland.
Number four: You’ll need an animal health certificate or an EU pet passport. Note that an EU pet passport can’t be issued in England, Wales, or Scotland.Breaking Down the Costs for Pet Travel
Expected Expenses for Vaccinations, Treatments, and Certifications
Let’s discuss the cost of this process, which can vary significantly depending on where you go.
- 1. Rabies vaccine: The vet I used in Staffordshire, England, charged me £85 per dog, which is likely above the UK average of £50 to £60.
- 2. Microchip: A new one costs between £20 and £40 if needed.
- 3. Tapeworm treatment: This initially cost me £30 per dog, but on a recent return to Ireland, it was £37 for two dogs.
- 4. Animal Health Certificate: This could be the priciest part. The first dog’s certificate cost £325, and the second dog’s was £64. Every time you travel to the EU, you need one, so this can quickly add up.
AHC Costs vs. EU Pet Passport Benefits
To save on future trips, I opted to get an EU pet passport in Northern Ireland. This passport, costing about £112 per dog, allows lifetime validity as long as the rabies vaccine is kept current. The catch? The rabies vaccine must have an EU serial number, so the dogs must be brought to Northern Ireland or the EU for future vaccines.
Returning to the UK with Your Pet
Requirements for Re-entry from the EU
Finally, when it’s time to bring your pet back home, remember these rules:
- 1. Short trips: No additional steps are needed if your trip is under five days.
- 2. Tapeworm treatment: If returning from any EU country except Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta, you’ll need a tapeworm treatment documented by a vet within 24 hours to five days before re-entry.
Final Thoughts on EU Pet Travel Post-Brexit
Thank you for sticking with me! If this article seems complicated, I’ve made it as straightforward as possible. Yes, it’s tricky post-Brexit, but planning allows you to travel smoothly and affordably with your pets.
Robbie Romes’ Pet-Friendly Travel Guidebooks
If you’re reading this article, you probably love your pets as much as I love mine. My travel guides highlight dog-friendly locations for an unforgettable experience with your pets. Check them out on my website, petscareus.com, or on Amazon.
