Can I Bring My Dog to the EU After Brexit? 2025 Entry Rules Explained

1. What has changed for pet travel after Brexit?

Dog travel between the UK and the EU changed when the UK left the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Since then, the UK has been listed as a third country, which reclassified travel protocols for dogs and other companion animals. British pet owners now need to consider microchip registration, vaccination timelines, and veterinary certificate validity periods.

The AHC replaces the older pet passport system and is issued by an Official Veterinarian registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The certificate must accompany each trip and confirms compliance with EU entry conditions.

In May 2025, new negotiations began between the UK government and the European Commission to bring back streamlined pet passport arrangements. No official rollout date has been confirmed, so the AHC system remains mandatory.

2. What documents and treatments does my dog need to travel?

Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination

A compliant microchip must be inserted before administering the rabies vaccine. The microchip must meet ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standards to ensure border compatibility. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of the rabies vaccination. After vaccination, there is a mandatory 21-day wait before travel.

A rabies titre test, also called a rabies serological test, may be required if your destination country enforces additional entry conditions. It confirms adequate rabies antibodies and is processed by an EU-approved laboratory.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

The AHC is issued no more than ten days before departure. It remains valid for a single EU entry, travel within the EU for four months, and return to the UK. It includes:

• Microchip confirmation

• Rabies vaccination details

• Official endorsement by a UK-authorised veterinarian

Veterinarians issuing the certificate must follow guidance under DEFRA regulations.

Tapeworm Treatment Requirements

For entry into Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland, tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) treatment is required. This treatment must occur one to five days before entry and be logged on the AHC.

Checklist to prepare your dog for EU travel

1. Confirm ISO-compliant microchip is in place

2. Administer rabies vaccine and wait the required period

3. Schedule an appointment with an Official Veterinarian for AHC

4. Treat for tapeworm if your destination enforces it

5. Plan your route through a recognised Traveller’s Point of Entry (TPE)

3. How do I get my dog into and out of the EU safely?

Approved Traveller’s Point of Entry (TPE)

TPEs are official EU-designated entry points for pets. These are equipped with microchip readers and personnel trained to check documents such as the AHC. Arriving at a location that is not a TPE may result in denied entry or mandatory quarantine for your pet.

Use reliable route planners and transport providers that confirm entry via TPE. Ports like Calais, Dunkirk, and major EU airports are common TPEs.

Returning to the UK

Returning pets need to present either the same valid AHC (if still within four months) or an EU-issued pet passport. A tapeworm treatment is required before re-entry to Great Britain, and must be administered by a licensed veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours prior to arrival.

Northern Ireland’s Pet Travel Document (PTD)

Since 4 June 2025, the PTD allows dogs to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without the need for rabies vaccination or tapeworm treatment. The only requirement is a recognised microchip. The document is issued once and remains valid indefinitely, which simplifies internal UK travel.

4. What does pet travel cost and what are the best tips?

Costs and Planning Timeline

Budget approximately £200 for the AHC. Add rabies vaccination costs (usually £40 to £60) and tapeworm treatment if needed. Plan your veterinary timeline carefully, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.

Begin the rabies process at least six weeks in advance to allow for possible titre testing if required. Book your AHC appointment 7 to 10 days before your trip to align with EU entry rules.

Will pet passports come back in 2025?

The European Commission and UK government are currently discussing regulatory alignment to restore pet passport usage. This would remove the need for repetitive AHCs and allow free movement for vaccinated and microchipped pets. Monitor Gov.uk Pet Travel for future updates.

Why some pet owners plan vet visits abroad

Some pet owners are using EU trips to access lower-cost veterinary care. Clinics in Spain and France offer services like orthopaedic surgery, dental procedures, and diagnostic scans at significantly reduced prices. With a growing number of UK vets under CMA review for pricing transparency, this trend could increase.

Add to this the opportunity for a short holiday, and “vet-cation” becomes a budget-friendly solution. Always check clinic accreditations and whether English-speaking support is available.

Smart collars and travel monitoring

Wearable devices like the Tractive GPS Tracker or Fi Smart Collar let pet owners track their dog’s location, heart rate, and activity. These are useful during travel, especially on ferries, in unfamiliar accommodation, or during hikes abroad.

Market demand for smart collars is rising across Europe. These devices help reduce stress and boost pet safety during cross-border trips.

Can I avoid VAT when bringing my dog back?

Yes. If you apply for a Transfer of Residence (ToR) via HMRC and return with your dog within five days, you can avoid VAT or customs duty. This process is ideal for those relocating or taking extended trips.

Planning specialist vet care abroad

If you’re considering treatments while abroad, research vet clinic credentials in advance. Use translation tools or contact English-speaking clinics to avoid miscommunication. Consider travel insurance that covers pet care.

5. What problems do pet owners face most often?

Common travel mistakes to avoid

• Using invalid GB-issued pet passports
• Overlooking the 21-day wait post-rabies vaccination
• Entering the EU through a non-TPE
• Skipping required tapeworm treatments before UK return
• Missing the vet appointment window for AHC issue

Quick final checks before travel

• Confirm microchip compliance (ISO 11784/11785)
• Ensure rabies vaccination date is valid
• Double check the AHC issue date
• Apply tapeworm treatment if required
• Verify entry via an EU TPE

Final notes

Travelling with dogs between the UK and the EU is safe and achievable with forward planning. Following the outlined steps helps avoid detentions and delays at the border. Monitor DEFRA and APHA bulletins regularly to keep up with travel rule changes.

Until pet passports return, the AHC is your route to compliance. Maintain all documents, health records, and chip scans in one folder. For more support, consult Gov.uk Pet Travel or your veterinary practice before booking.