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If you have travelled to Europe with your pet since Brexit you’ll know the routine of a new certificate, a valid rabies vaccination and a vet appointment within 10 days of travel. However, this is about to change for dogs, cats and ferrets. So what does the return of the pet passport mean for UK pet owners, when will it happen and what should you do right now.
The pet passport is part of a wider UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which covers food, animal and plant health. A draft text, reported in early November 2026, would let pet owners in Great Britain get a multi-use pet passport valid for EU travel instead of a new Animal Health Certificate for each trip.
The key points of the deal are:
The UK pet passport is not expected to be fully implemented until 2028.
The UK pet passport is not expected to be fully implemented until 2028. The deal is due to be signed at the EU-UK summit on 20 November 2026. After that, both sides need to put the agreement into law and the government needs to set up the system for vets to issue passports.
Until the new agreement is in force, owners still need an Animal Health Certificate to take a dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain to an EU country. Both vets at Kensington Vet Care are Official Veterinarians, so we can issue your Animal Health Certificate here in Kensington. Book your Animal Health Certificate appointment using the Petsapp widget as soon as you have your travel dates.
Based on the government’s statements so far, the new pet passport for Europe should work much like the old one. Your vet records your pet’s microchip number and rabies vaccination in the passport, and you show it at the border each time you travel. As long as the rabies vaccination stays in date, you won’t need a new document for each holiday.
There are still a few details that need to be confirmed such as:
No, there’s no need to postpone your plans! If you’re travelling before the pet passport is fully introduced, you can still travel to Europe with your furry friend using an Animal Health Certificate.
Our independent practice in Kensington has helped London pet owners travel abroad for over 30 years. Whether you need an Animal Health Certificate or want advice on pet travel requirements to countries outside of Europe, we can help.
Call 020 7221 3093 or use the Petsapp widget to book. Not registered with us yet? Find out how to join as a new client.
The care and health of your pets is Kensington Veterinary Care's top priority. That is why we offer a comprehensive first opinion veterinary service for your furry friends.
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