Pet passports

Everything you need to know about taking your furry friend abroad

Want to take your dog or cat abroad on holiday? It’s easier than you think! Previously, pets had to be kept in quarantine before travelling overseas, but the pet passport system makes it far easier to take them with you.

In which countries are UK pet passports valid?

You can travel to and from the UK and many other destinations with a pet passport, including all the countries in the EU. For the full list of countries, visit www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad. The government has pledged that the pet passport scheme will remain in place once we leave the EU, meaning the rules should stay the same after Brexit.

Where can I get a pet passport?

Speak to your local vet – you will need your pet’s vaccination certificate and other medical records. The pet passport will list all the different treatments and vaccinations your pet has had and contain important information on ownership, breed, microchip number and any special markings or ways to identify your pet. Pet passports should stay valid for as long as your pet’s medical details are up-to-date, so check regularly with your vet that the information on your pet’s passport is correct. You could be required to wait up to three weeks for a pet passport, so keep this in mind when booking a trip.

What else do I need to do before travelling with my pet?

If you’re flying, or travelling by coach, Eurotunnel or ferry, you’ll need to check whether or not they will accept your pet for travel. They may also require a letter from your vet stating that your pet is fit and healthy. As well as having a passport, pets must be microchipped and be at least 15 weeks old before travelling. If you don’t follow the rules, your pet could be put into quarantine.

A cat passport can cost anything between £25-£50 and a dog passport £150£250, depending on veterinary fees and vaccination costs