How The Current Brexit Negotiations May Affect Your Travel Plans
Learn about the EU Pet Passport Scheme and how the UK may be classified in a Brexit ‘no deal’ scenario.
Brits take an estimated 20 million trips to Europe each year, and as a nation of pet lovers, naturally many owners want their furry friends to accompany them on their travels. The Pet Passport Scheme has made it relatively simple for your cat or dog to fly or take the Eurostar onto the continent. So long as your pet is microchipped, with the corresponding microchip details logged in the passport, along with confirmation of a rabies vaccination and proof of tapeworm treatment if you’re returning to the UK, then you’re all set to enjoy your break abroad.
But the political landscape has changed our relationship with Europesignificantly – so if you’re wondering how to take your pet abroad in a post-Brexit world, read on to learn more about the situation.
What Has The Pet Passport Made Easy?
The EU Pet Passport is a scheme that was designed and introduced by the UK back in 2000. However, it wasn’t formally adopted by the EU until 2012 when it was officially rolled out across all member nations – a process that completed in 2014.
The scheme has vastly simplified the way in which owners can take their pets abroad. There’s no need to fork out for expensive kennel fees or petsitters to visit your four-legged friend while you’re away. Instead, you can completely forego the possibility of separation anxiety which can be incredibly distressing for both pet and owner. Finally, if you opt to take your dog overseas, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some beautiful landscapes together, keeping you fit and active in stunning surroundings.
What Could Change Following Our Exit From Europe?
The EU will exit Europe on 29thMarch, 2019 and currently there are intense negotiations taking place with a view to striking a deal between the UK and the EU. However, the government and all industries must prepare for a ‘no deal’ scenario. As far as pet travel goes in such an event, the UK would be classified as a third country and given either a category of Listed: Part 1, Listed: Part 2 or unlisted. If the UK is given a listed country status, then pet owners would notice very few changes in the way that they travel to Europe.
However, if the UK is classified as being unlisted, then it becomes much more complicated for pet owners. Currently, pets should be taken to an Official Veterinarian at least 21 days in advance of travel. This would extend to a minimum of 4 months prior to your trip and extra bloodwork would be required. In particular, a blood titre testfollowing a rabies vaccination is required, which would show that the correct levels of antibodies are present in the pet’s system, allowing them to be safe for travel.