Mary Allen
Introduction: Brexit and pet travel
Brexit has brought about a number of changes in the rules and regulations concerning pet travel between the UK and the European Union (EU). Before Brexit, the UK was part of the EU’s pet travel scheme, which allowed pet owners to travel freely with their dogs, cats and ferrets within the EU without the need for quarantine. However, with the UK now outside the EU, pet owners will need to be aware of the new rules and regulations that apply when travelling with their pets.
Changes in pet travel rules after Brexit
After Brexit, the UK is now a third country in relation to EU pet travel rules. This means that pet owners travelling with their dogs to France will need to follow new rules and regulations. These rules include the requirement for a pet passport, microchipping and rabies vaccination, and dog health checks before travel. It is important to note that these rules also apply to pet owners travelling from France to the UK.
Pet passport requirements for dogs
One of the most important changes for pet owners after Brexit is the requirement for a pet passport. This document is essential for travelling with your dog to France and proves that your dog has been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and undergone any necessary health checks. Pet passports can be obtained from your vet and must be updated every time your dog receives a new vaccination or treatment.
Microchipping and rabies vaccination
Before travelling with your dog to France after Brexit, it is essential that your dog is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Dogs must be microchipped before they can be vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. It is important to note that the rabies vaccination must be given by a vet and that booster vaccinations are required to keep your dog protected against the disease.
Dog health checks before travel
In addition to microchipping and rabies vaccination, pet owners travelling with their dogs to France after Brexit will need to ensure their dog has undergone any necessary health checks. This may include a general health check, as well as checks for tapeworm and other parasites. These checks must be carried out by a vet and recorded in your dog’s pet passport.
Dog travel with a commercial transporter
If you are travelling with your dog to France after Brexit, you may choose to use a commercial transporter. These transporters must be approved by the UK government and will ensure that your dog meets all the necessary requirements for travel. It is important to note that the cost of using a commercial transporter can be high, so pet owners should budget accordingly.
Travelling with an assistance dog
If you are travelling with an assistance dog, you will still be able to bring your dog to France after Brexit. Assistance dogs are exempt from some of the usual pet travel requirements, such as the need for a pet passport and certain health checks. However, it is important to check with your airline or ferry company before travelling to ensure that they are aware of your dog’s status as an assistance dog.
Importing dogs to France from non-EU countries
If you are importing a dog to France from a non-EU country after Brexit, you will need to follow additional rules and regulations. These may include additional health checks and quarantine requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements with the French authorities before travelling.
Quarantine requirements for dogs
After Brexit, pet owners travelling with their dogs to France will not need to undergo quarantine. However, if your dog does not meet the necessary requirements for travel, they may be placed into quarantine. This can be a stressful and expensive experience for both you and your dog, so it is important to ensure that all requirements are met before travelling.
Pet travel between UK and Northern Ireland
Pet owners travelling with their dogs between the UK and Northern Ireland will still be able to do so after Brexit, as long as their dog meets the necessary requirements. This is because Northern Ireland remains part of the EU’s pet travel scheme, while the rest of the UK does not.
Pet travel between UK and Republic of Ireland
Pet owners travelling with their dogs between the UK and the Republic of Ireland will still be able to do so after Brexit, as long as their dog meets the necessary requirements. This is because the Republic of Ireland remains part of the EU’s pet travel scheme.
Conclusion: Bringing your dog to France after Brexit
Brexit has brought about a number of changes in the rules and regulations concerning pet travel between the UK and the EU. Pet owners travelling with their dogs to France after Brexit will need to ensure that their dog meets the necessary requirements, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and health checks. While these changes may seem daunting, with the right preparation and planning, it is still possible to bring your dog to France after Brexit.