What to know about EU pet passport changes as loophole is closed

• Brussels has tightened rules, invalidating EU pet passports previously used by British residents for travel to the Continent or the island of Ireland.
• British residents must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each journey with their pet dog, cat, or ferret to the EU or Northern Ireland.
• The new European law clarifies that pet passports are exclusively for owners whose main residence is within the European Union.
• Each AHC costs approximately £200 and must be issued by a vet within 10 days of travel, confirming microchipping and rabies vaccination.
• The change has caused concern among some pet owners who feel they were not given sufficient notice, leading to increased demand for last-minute AHC appointments.

IN FULL

Tougher rules on pet passports means ‘EU citizen’ loophole for cats and dogs ends