The government is issuing advice to vets and pet owners outlining how pet travel arrangements may change if the UK leaves the EU with no deal.

In a no deal situation, pet owners would still be able to travel to Europe with their pet after Brexit, but they could need to take additional steps and start preparations at least four months ahead of their planned departure date.

Vaccination and testing ahead of travel

The requirements for travel would include making sure that pets are effectively vaccinated against rabies before they travel. This involves having an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a blood test to demonstrate sufficient levels of rabies antibody.

The blood test would need to be carried out a minimum of 30 days after any initial rabies vaccination and a minimum of three months before their travel date. This means that pet owners will need to talk to their vet about health requirements in good time to make sure they are able to travel with their pet.

Advice for pet owners

Contact your usual surgery by the end of November 2018 if you want to travel with your pet from 30th March 2019, to ensure enough time for us to carry out all testing and health checks necessary.

Here you can find the full guidance issued by the government.