When 17.4 million people voted to leave and 16.1 million voted to remain in the 2016 EU referendum, the impact it would have on taking your pet on holiday was probably the last thing on anyone’s mind.
Several years down the line and with Britain finally due to leave the EU on the 31st January, the experts at Gudog have highlighted all you need to know about travelling with your beloved pooch post-brexit.
Travelling could be tricky
If the UK leaves with a deal, it will fall into the listed country category which means owners will either have to apply for a new pet passport or official documents for their dog.
But if the UK leaves without a deal it will become an unlisted third country in terms of pet travel, placing it alongside countries with higher rabies incidence, those lacking robust veterinary systems, and countries that have never applied for listed status. This would mean that current pet passports for UK pets to travel around the EU will no longer be valid and dog owners will face additional rules on taking pets to Europe.
Make early preparations for a no-deal Brexit
If you want to travel with your canine companion in the event of a no-deal Brexit, you’ll need to visit the vet at least four months before you plan to travel so you can start the process and get the right documentation in place.
If you’re going on holiday within the EU shortly after the Brexit deadline, your dog must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before they can travel. Your four-legged friend must also have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after its rabies vaccinations and if the sample gets all the all clear, you must wait a further three months from the date the sample was taken before you can travel with your dog.
If you have your dog’s vaccination history, microchipping date and proof of a successful rabies antibody blood test, you must take your pet to an official vet no more than ten days before travel to obtain an animal health certificate.
Leaving with a deal requires preparation too!
If the UK leaves the EU with a deal and becomes a Part 1 listed country, the UK will operate under the same rules. This means that your pooch’s passport is still valid as long as you keep their rabies vaccinations up to date.
If the UK becomes a Part 2 listed country, your furry friend will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before you travel. You must also obtain a health certificate confirming this by visiting your vet no more than 10 days before you travel.
Put money aside
According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), dog owners could be forced to pay up to £150 more than they currently do to travel with their furry friends if we leave the EU without a deal. If your heart is set on holidaying abroad with your pooch, consider setting some money aside in case of the event you’re hit with an additional bill.
Consider a staycation
While the political uncertainty rolls on, you might decide to keep things simple and book a dog-friendly holiday in the UK. A staycation gives you the best of both worlds – a relaxing getaway and the chance to hang out with your dog – what more could you want?
For more information on what Brexit means for travelling with a dog, visit: https://blog.gudog.co.uk/what-will-brexit-mean-for-travelling-with-my-dog/
