Pet owners hit with steep bills after EU passport rule change

UK pet owners are facing higher expenses after the EU updated its pet travel documentation requirements. Starting Wednesday, British pet owners can no longer use the EU pet passport system for cross-border travel and must now obtain a new animal health certificate for each journey. This shift has sparked complaints from several pet owners, who say the new costs are disrupting their holiday plans and increasing financial strain.

The change has also created confusion among travelers. A spokesperson for the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) stated that anyone planning to take their pet to the EU should review the latest guidelines on GOV.UK and check the entry rules for their destination. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) clarified that EU pet passports are now only valid for individuals whose primary residence is within the EU, excluding those with holiday homes or seasonal stays in the region.

Impact on regular travelers

Many pet owners have reported being caught off guard by the rule change, with some only learning about it this week. Jane Keles, a 63-year-old from near Manchester, shared her frustration after discovering her EU pet passport was invalid for a trip to France. “We made arrangements in terms of time off work. We’ve got a cat sitter sorted and everything else,” she said. “We find out a couple of days ago that our EU pet passports are not valid documents anymore. We’ve costed it all up, and it’s going to cost us all another £500 to change the booking and go [in June].” Jane plans to sell her mobile home in Picardy due to the recurring costs of animal health certificates.

“We’re going to be majorly out of pocket,” Jane added.

Mike Walton, who owns two Bichon Frisé, faces a similar dilemma. Despite holding an Irish passport and spending part of the year in Portugal, he is a UK resident and can no longer use the EU pet passport. “The other vets who have said they will only do them for their own clients,” he explained. “I’ve been with my existing vet for 10 years and they know my dogs. Changing vets is not something I really don’t want to do.” The cost of new animal health certificates for his pets is estimated at around £300, plus £85 each for required rabies vaccinations.

Some owners questioned whether the rule would be strictly enforced at border checkpoints, with one planning to test the change by attempting a trip through the Eurotunnel on Thursday. The APHA emphasized that while the new EU rules have altered the process, pet travel to the EU is still possible. However, the transition has added complexity and expense, leaving many to reconsider their travel arrangements.

Broader implications for assistance dogs

The rule change is expected to affect not just regular pets but also assistance dogs. Guide Dogs for the Blind noted that the shift “underlines the importance of the UK rejoining the pet passport scheme.” The organization highlighted that the cost and hassle of obtaining animal health certificates for every trip have hindered guide dog owners from traveling freely, impacting their ability to work or attend events.

The EU pet passport, still valid for EU residents, is issued by a vet and contains details about microchips and rabies vaccination records. However, those issued before Wednesday are now considered outdated. With the new system, pet owners must navigate additional paperwork and fees, raising concerns about accessibility and fairness for frequent travelers.