BREXIT or PEXIT?
Taking your pets to Europe
None of us want to leave our four-legged friends at home when we go on holiday. Luckily, you don’t have to, even if you’re going abroad! However, the procedure is a little different now. So here is what you need to know to take your pets to Europe on holiday with you.
Hiring a pet-friendly motorhome
First things first, you’ll need to make sure your hire motorhome is pet friendly. We have a wide range here at The Motorhome Holiday Company.
In fact, it’s less common to have a motorhome that isn’t pet-friendly. As long as you tell us in advance, we can arrange for the perfect vehicle to accommodate you and your pet on a safe European motorhome holiday.
Planning to travel with your pet
When travelling to an EU country, or to Northern Ireland, this is what your pet needs:
- a microchip
- a valid rabies vaccination
- an animal health certificate (unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland)
- tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta
Please note that this guidance also applies to assistance dogs.
What is an animal health certificate?
Commonly known as an AHC, an animal health certificate confirms that your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
You must get your certificate no more than 10 days before you travel and it needs to be signed by an ‘official veterinarian’ (OV). If your usual vet is not an OV then they should be able to help you find one.
Your pet’s AHC will be valid after the date of issue for:
- 10 days for the entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
- 4 months for onward travel within the EU
- 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain
For repeat trips to an EU country or Northern Ireland
Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.
Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination so long as it’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
Your dog will need tapeworm treatment for each trip if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
What about Pet passports?
A European pet passport is a document that follows an EU standard model. It contains a description and details of your pet, including its microchip, rabies vaccination record and the owner’s contact details. It also contains details of the vet who issued the passport.
If you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland then you do not need an AHC.
You can get a European pet passport for your dog, cat or ferret from any authorised vet. A pet passport is valid for life as long as your pets rabies vaccination is in date.
While pet passports can be issued within 24 hours (Monday to Friday), it’s advisable to allow a month or so. It’s worth noting that if your dog has had a rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before you travel.
How much does it cost to take a pet to the EU?
Pet passports currently cost about £60.00, and some countries require travelling dogs to have a rabies vaccination or booster, which is about £33.00.
Or if you opt for an AHC, this could cost you about £110. This is based on consultation costs and includes reviewing & finalising all your documents.
A microchip is about £20 and will only need to be implanted once.
A Rabies vaccination costs about £50.40 – this will need to be repeated every three years to allow continual travel under the Pet Travel Scheme.
Any vaccinations or medications required will incur additional charges.
Don’t forget pet insurance for European travel
Although not essential, saving a few pounds now by not getting pet travel insurance might end up costing you several thousand later.
Some policies will already include European coverage, it’s best to double check. It’s usually very simple to do with over the phone or online.
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Hiring a motorhome for your next holiday?
Check your dates or find out more about how we can give you a great motorhome experience by enquiring through the website here.
+44 (0)117 290 9000
team@motorhomeholidaycompany.com
A370, Hewish, Bristol, BS24 6RT
The Motorhome Holiday Company; your (pet’s) adventure starts here