Taking your pet on adventures abroad can be really rewarding; you’ll be able to spend lots of quality time together, and it’s a great way to bond. If you’re planning on travelling with your pet this year, however, current political uncertainty could affect the ease with which you’ll be able to do this. At The Insurance Emporium, we want everyone to be able to get the most from owning a dog or cat. Which is why we’ve put together this guide to how Brexit could affect travel with your pet!
Current affairs
As part of the EU, the UK is currently a member of the pet passport scheme; making it simple to travel with dogs and cats. The passports are issued by registered vets, and must contain details of a valid anti-rabies vaccination, as well as microchipping. Once the UK leaves the EU, there’s a chance that membership of the scheme will continue, if we leave with a deal. However, if it doesn’t, and we leave without a deal, there are a few possible outcomes!
First scenario
It’s a possibility that we might become a Part 1 Listed Country. These are nations outside of the EU, but which have sufficient pet health standards to be able to also use the pet passport scheme. In this case, very little would change, owners of our four-legged friends might have to apply for a new UK pet passport that will replace the EU document.
Second scenario
The UK could also become a Part 2 Listed Country. In this case, current regulations would still apply, but pets would also need to be issued with a Model Health Certificate before travelling. The certificate would most likely be given by your vet at least 21 days after your furry friend receives a rabies vaccination, and within ten days of travel.
Third scenario
There’s also the potential that the UK could become an Unlisted Country. This would mean pet owners having to plan up to four months ahead when wanting to take dogs or cats abroad, so as to get the required vaccinations and checks. In this scenario, pet owners would be required to provide a sample of their animal’s blood 30 days after rabies vaccination. They would then be unable to travel until three months after a successful sample was taken.
When will we know?
The answer to this question is that it’s hard to say! With the exact date of the UK’s departure up in the air, we can’t say when we can expect to find out what the new or continued arrangements might be. With so much as yet unanswered, a sensible plan of action could be keeping your ear to the ground to stay on top of what’s happening!
Even if taking your pet abroad might require additional work, the reward once you’re on holiday could make it all worthwhile! If you’re going abroad with your pet this year, you might want to consider protecting them with pet insurance. The Insurance Emporium offer a variety of policy types, with a range of Optional Benefits to choose from. You could also get a 30% discount*! Head to The Insurance Emporium to find out more!
* The 30% discount is made up of 20% Introductory Discount plus 10% Multi-pet Discount (if appropriate). The Introductory Discount is available for the first 12 premium payments on lunar and calendar monthly policies or one premium payment on annual policies.
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