Latest news with #petpassport
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Britain 'has asked to rejoin EU's pet passport scheme' to cut cost of taking animals to the continent
Britain reportedly wants to rejoin the European Union 's pet passport scheme, four years after leaving the arrangement when the Brexit transition period ended. Some 250,000 UK pet owners were estimated to have taken their cats and dogs on holiday to the EU every year before Britain left the scheme in January 2021. But taking a British pet to the EU or Northern Ireland is now far more expensive and time-consuming for owners due to post-Brexit rules that also affect assistance dogs. Owners in the UK can no longer use EU pet passports and instead need to get a vet's certificate confirming a pet's rabies vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Those travelling to Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway also need to ensure their vet has treated a dog for tapeworm and recorded this in an animal health certificate. A rabies jab normally costs between £50 and £80, while an animal health certificate is between £100 and £200. Worming treatment can be £15, giving a total of up to £295. But UK officials want British cats, dogs and ferrets to regain EU freedom of movement as they discuss a new Swiss-style veterinary deal which would cut costs and make it easier to take them to the continent, according to the The Telegraph. Ahead of Monday's Brexit 'reset' summit in London, a Government source said: 'We have always been clear that that kind of agreement can bring all kinds of benefits.' A deal on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures is expected to be secured by the Government conceding to the EU's demands on an agreement relating to fish. This agreement will see the UK align with EU laws on plant and animal health and follow European court rulings on them, opening the door to Britain rejoining the pet passport scheme. How to take your pet to an EU country British owners of pet dogs, cats or ferrets must follow a series of rules to take them on holiday to the EU. The rules also apply to assistance dogs. Rabies vaccination: A pet must be vaccinated against rabies before it can travel, and has to be at least 12 weeks old to get this vaccination. The owner must wait 21 days after the vaccination before travel. If the pet has already been vaccinated, they might need a booster. Owners do not need to wait to travel after a booster vaccination if there has been no break in the vaccine cover. Microchip: Owners must get a pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If not, they must be vaccinated again. Pet travel document: Owners should get an animal health certificate from their vet if travelling to the EU. This is valid after the date of issue for ten days for entry into the EU, four months for onward travel within the EU after they enter the EU and four months for re-entry to Great Britain Tapeworm: A vet must treat a dog for tapeworm and record it in an animal health certificate if the owner is travelling directly to Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway. The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before they arrive. The EU pet passport is a single document valid for life as long as rabies vaccinations are up to date. However, current rules mean a vet must provide pet owners with a health certificate no more than ten days before they leave the UK, each time they want to travel to the EU. Dogs, cats and ferrets must have a rabies vaccination then wait at least three weeks after the first jab before going abroad. Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm between one and five days before travel to Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway. In addition, owners cannot take more than five pets to an EU country unless they are attending or training for an event, or exporting for commercial purposes. Those taking pets to Northern Ireland face the same restrictions because of its Brexit deal that means it follows EU rules to avoid a hard border with the Republic of Ireland. A new pet passport for owners in Britain travelling to Northern Ireland will come into force on June 4 under the Windsor Framework deal. This scheme has been described as a free 'simple, lifelong pet travel document'- but this may be dropped if Britain rejoins the EU pet passport scheme. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer has said he is confident of making progress on a deal with the EU ahead of Monday's major summit. The Government is set to host EU leaders in London next week as part of its 'reset' with the bloc that could see an agreement struck on British access to a €150billion (£126.4 billion) defence fund. Reports had suggested that disagreements over fishing rights and a possible UK-EU youth mobility scheme have thrown the prospect of a deal into doubt. But the Prime Minister said during a visit to Albania yesterday: 'I'm confident we will make really good progress into Monday. 'If we do that we will have completed three agreements - India, US and EU - in the course of a two-week window, which is incredibly beneficial for our country.' While Sir Keir said he would not offer a 'running commentary', he added his refusal to conduct 'megaphone diplomacy' had enabled the Government to make 'good progress' in negotiations with the EU. However, some critics have dubbed it the 'surrender summit' because it will bring Britain into the closest alignment it has had with the EU since Brexit.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
UK asks to rejoin EU pet passport scheme
British pet owners who want to take their animals on holiday, or to second homes abroad, will be hoping that the Government's request to rejoin the EU's pet passport scheme will happen as part of new talks. Before Brexit in January 2020, pets travelling across Europe from Britain was common via the pet passport scheme, with an estimated 250,000 people taking much-loved animals overseas. However, current laws introduced during Brexit mean dog, cat and ferret owners need to have their animal vaccinated against rabies 21 days before travel, and an animal health certificate (AHC) valid no more than 10 days before making the journey to the EU or Northern Ireland. Alongside the administration, there's also a hefty fee of around £200. However, as part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Brexit 'reset', the UK will seek to once again give pets an easier passage abroad. Sir Keir is due to host the major EU summit in London on Monday where he hopes to unveil a new Brexit deal that brings Britain closer to the EU. The UK must negotiate an agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations to be allowed back into the pet passport scheme - although ongoing discussions have been plagued by French demands for access to UK fishing waters. The 'reset' has been dubbed the 'surrender summit' by some critics, with fears Sir Keir will look to unpick the referendum. If Eu pet passports are once again introduced, animal owners will likely breathe a sigh of relief; the passports last for the animal's entire lifetime, provided they're up to date with rabies vaccinations. Since Brexit, UK pubs, hotels and holiday lets have become increasingly pet friendly to ensure those who want to staycation with their pets are welcome. However, there's still one place where four-legged friends can't go - at least during the summer months. Hundreds of UK beaches have brought in dog bans that were rolled out on May 1 and are set to last until the end of September. Some beaches have banned dogs completely, while others are only allowing them during certain hours or if they're kept on leads. Additionally, certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. The rules vary depending on the area, but anyone caught breaking them could face a £100 fine on the spot - and up to £1,000 if it goes to court. The seasonal restrictions are designed to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer months, with locals using a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to enforce the rules. Chris Maxted, who runs a dog gate firm called Dog-G8, explained: 'Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. 'Dog fouling and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. 'Public spaces protection orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. 'These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing.' Most beaches allow dogs between October and April, he added - but enforce the orders in the summer months. Maxted continued: 'It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. 'Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.' Despite the strict ban coming into force, there is still an abundance of coastal areas to explore where dogs are welcome all year round. Devon, for example, has a whopping 79 dog-friendly beaches, so even with the bans in place, there's still plenty of coastline to enjoy with your pooch across the UK. Guide dogs, on the other hand, are allowed on all beaches - but only if they're working, wearing a harness, and on a lead. The summer dog ban was first brought in by Weymouth in 2019, prompting dozens of beaches to follow suit in subsequent years, especially as tourist numbers rise over the warmer months. Most local council websites have up-to-date info on which beaches are dog-friendly and when. Maxted added: 'To find out which beaches are open all year round and dog-friendly, it's best to check your local council website. 'Most councils provide up-to-date information on beach regulations, including any seasonal restrictions or rules regarding pets, so you can plan your visit accordingly.'
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
UK requests return to EU's freedom of movement
The government is seeking to rejoin the EU 's pet passport scheme as part of its Brexit reset talks, The Independent understands. Hundreds of thousands of British travellers took their pets on holiday to the EU every year before the UK left the pet passport scheme at the end of the Brexit transition period in January 2021. Now, British travellers must microchip their pets, vaccinate them against rabies, and obtain an animal health certificate – which can cost up to £200. The UK's Brexit reset negotiators have pushed for British cats and dogs to regain freedom of movement within the bloc, as first reported by The Telegraph. In order to obtain the agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations and re-enter the pet passport programme, the government is expected to give in to EU demands for a long-term agreement on fish. A government source told The Independent: 'Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.' Brexit has disrupted closely linked supply chains in the food and farming sector that once relied on shared EU rules, according to the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy. Before leaving the EU, the UK benefitted from strong regulatory alignment that made trade much easier. Now, the UK is treated as a 'third country', creating new rules and barriers for British businesses trading with the EU. The think tank said the EU has brought in tougher rules in areas like pesticides and hazardous substances—rules the UK has not followed. However, it noted that the UK has introduced higher animal welfare standards than the EU. The government has previously said it is seeking to negotiate an SPS agreement to 'prevent unnecessary border checks and help tackle the cost of food'. The EU pet passport is a simple, one-time document that is valid for life, as long as rabies vaccinations are up to date. According to the existing regulations, owners who want to travel to the EU must get an animal health certificate from a veterinarian no more than ten days before departure. A dog is only eligible for that if it receives tapeworm treatment one to five days before departure. In addition to being required to have a rabies vaccination, dogs, cats, and ferrets must wait at least three weeks following the initial dose before travelling on vacation with their owners. It comes as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer will host the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Monday. It is expected a reset deal will be announced then. However, The Independent understands the negotiations have encountered some last-minute problems with EU member states angry that a draft communique presented to them by the commission does not include big enough concessions from the UK on fishing and student fees. EU states also appear to be pressing for Britain to accept the authority of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), according to the Financial Times. The deal with the EU could also include alignment to EU rules and regulations to ease trade barriers and a youth mobility scheme for 18 to 40-year-olds based on the one the UK has with countries like Australia.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Britain asks to rejoin EU pet passport scheme
Britain has asked to rejoin the EU's pet passport scheme during the Brexit reset negotiations, The Telegraph can reveal. An estimated quarter of a million UK pet owners took their cats and dogs on holiday with them to the EU each year before Britain left the pet passport at the end of the Brexit transition period in Jan 2021. It is now far more difficult, time consuming and expensive for British pets to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland under post-Brexit rules that also apply to assistance dogs. UK officials have pushed for British cats, dogs and ferrets to regain EU freedom of movement in negotiations over a new Swiss-style veterinary deal to boost trade. 'We have always been clear that that kind of agreement can bring all kinds of benefits,' a Government source told The Telegraph ahead of Monday's UK-EU summit in London where the reset deal is set to be announced. The Government is expected to cave to EU demands for a long-term deal on fish in a concession to secure the agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules, paving the way to rejoin the pet passport scheme. A deal making it easier for young EU citizens to live, work and study in the UK for a limited period is also thought to be close. Labour has said it will listen to 'sensible proposals' on youth mobility in separate reset negotiations after previously ruling it out. EU capitals also want the UK to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange scheme. Britain becomes 'rule-taker' The SPS deal will mean Britain aligning with EU rules on plant and animal health and following European Court of Justice decisions on them. 'Dynamic alignment' makes the UK a rule-taker, which has agreed to change its laws to match the EU's even though it no longer has a say in their drafting. The EU pet passport is a simple, single document that is valid for life, provided rabies vaccinations are kept up to date. The current arrangements mean that owners must get an animal health certificate from a vet no more than 10 days before departure every time they wish to travel to the EU. That is only granted to a dog if it is treated for tapeworm between one and five days before travel. Dogs, cats and ferrets must also be vaccinated for rabies but have to wait at least three weeks after the first jab before going on holiday with their owners. The same restrictions apply to British dogs, cats and ferrets travelling to Northern Ireland because of the region's Brexit deal that sees it continue to follow EU rules to prevent a hard Irish border. On June 4, those rules will be replaced by lighter touch regulations as part of the Windsor Framework deal but that could now be supplanted by UK membership of the EU pet passport scheme, which will allow onward travel into the Republic of Ireland. 'Dogs are part of the family' Pet travel blogger Rachel Spencer, 49, from Lymm, Cheshire, said: 'Dogs are part of the family and you want to give them the best life, to spend as much time as you can with them and taking them on holiday is such a wonderful thing to do. 'Having to leave them behind is distressing, it's hard to relax on holiday and frustrating when just a few years ago under the old pet passport scheme it was relatively easy to take them with you.' Ms Spencer owns a pet-friendly holiday cottage in Robin Hood's Bay and said she had seen bookings double in the last two years as pet owners opted for staycations rather than leave their animals behind. 'Ultimately though, we want our pets to be free to go where they like and experience different places and have adventures. So to have freedom of movement for dogs again would be really positive for pet owners.' Only Swiss-style alignment allows for membership of the EU pet passport scheme, which is a kind of health certificate. It is not possible under the current arrangements for non-EU countries without a bespoke veterinary deal, like Britain. It would also not be offered under the mutual recognition deal the EU has with New Zealand where the two regulatory systems are seen as reaching the same goal by different means. Before Labour took power, Brussels consistently rejected British requests for a New Zealand-style deal that does not involve abiding by the decisions of the European Court of Justice. EU officials have dangled rejoining pet passports as an incentive to past Tory governments to ditch New Zealand and go Swiss. A Swiss deal will also dramatically cut post-Brexit border checks on agrifood. The Telegraph revealed it will also end EU bans on British fresh sausages, mince and live bivalve molluscs like oysters, clams, scallops and mussels. Experts believe the SPS deal will only have a negligible impact on economic growth, adding on rough estimates, perhaps 0.1 per cent to UK GDP. It could also weaken stricter UK animal protection laws, lead to new restrictions on certain fertilisers and slow moves in England to allow the gene-editing of crops. The European Commission has refused to comment on the negotiations before Monday's summit. The Financial Times reported on Thursday that EU capitals are putting Brussels under pressure to drive a harder line in the talks to secure more concessions on fish and Erasmus.
