As summer continues, many clients will want to travel abroad with their pets. But how many are aware of the changes to travelling to and from Great Britain post-Brexit? And is travel always in a pet's best interests?
Most clients travelling with pets will be going to EU countries. Pet passports issued in England, Wales and Scotland are no longer valid, and now when travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, dogs, cats and ferrets need an animal health certificate. Crucially for clients, the animal health certificate must be issued in the 10 days before entering an EU country – something that may catch many out, particularly if they have not realised the need to book an appointment in advance. Pets need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland, making frequent travel much more expensive than it was before Brexit. Travelling outside the EU requires an export health certificate.
How many of you have experienced clients coming into the practice requiring an urgent appointment for an animal health certificate?
Aside from the cost and inconvenience, one thing clients should consider is whether taking their pet abroad is fair on the animal. All pets are different, and some may not enjoy long journeys and could become distressed by changes to their usual routine. There are different requirements for different methods of travel, with some – like the Eurotunnel – requiring animals to stay in the car throughout the journey, and others – like some ferry lines – allowing animals in pet-friendly cabins. Clients should seriously consider what will suit their animals best.
As discussed in a previous editorial (Nickalls, 2023), heat is a major health risk for pets. Clients also need to strongly consider how their pet will cope in a potentially warmer climate.
Access to appropriate food also needs to be considered. It is unlikely clients will be able to source the pet's usual food at their destination, so those who have sensitive stomached pets may need to bring enough food with them to last the trip.
Finally, clients need to be aware of the risk of disease outside of the UK. Ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies can be a problem throughout Europe, carrying diseases not currently seen in the UK. Parasite protection may be something owners want to consider.
Taking their pets on holiday with them may seem like the ideal solution for animal lovers, but once factoring in the expense, health risks and disruption, it may be kinder to consider leaving them behind. We'd love to hear your thoughts, email us at vet@markallengroup.com