New guidance for pets travelling to EU

Tuesday 22 December 2020

Pets travelling from the Bailiwick to the European Union will require an Animal Health Certificate from 1 January as part of extensive new measures, it has been confirmed.

The States of Guernsey has issued new guidance for pet owners hoping to travel after the UK formally withdraws from the European Union in the coming weeks.

“Negotiations between the EU and UK are ongoing, but in relation to travelling with pets specifically we now have a bit more certainty on what the situation is, which is very welcome,” said States Veterinary Officer David Chamberlain.

“I’d urge anyone thinking of travelling to check the guidance well before they make their trip to see what they need to do.”

At the end of the transition period, the UK and Channel Islands will be granted ‘Part 2 listed’ status under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme. Currently, this means that cats and dogs must be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies before travel, and an Animal Health Certificate must be obtained from a vet no more than 10 days before travel to the EU. The stringent requirements mean that a new certificate must be obtained for each and every trip to the EU.

Pets returning to the UK or Channel Islands from the EU must have either a Pet Passport or the Health Certificate used to travel into the EU, which remains valid for up to four months after it was issued. These documents will not be required if travelling into Britain from the Channel Islands.

The guidance and regulations issued to the UK will also apply to the Channel Islands, so islanders with pets are advised to check the UK Government’s website prior to travel to check the latest information.