Tips for sailing your pet across Europe by sea
Traveling with Pets from the UK to the EU by Boat After Brexit: Key Requirements
For pet owners planning to travel from the UK to the EU by boat following Brexit, there are new rules and regulations in place to ensure the health and safety of animals and people. Here's a breakdown of the essential requirements for a smooth journey.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is now required for pets traveling to the EU from the UK. This document must be issued by an official vet within 10 days of departure and replaces the previous EU pet passport. The AHC is valid for a single entry and onward travel within the EU for up to 4 months.
Microchip and Rabies Vaccination
Pets must be microchipped before or at the time of rabies vaccination, with the vaccine given at least 21 days prior to travel and following a minimum age of 12 weeks for the pet.
Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs
Dogs traveling to certain EU countries, including France, must receive a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before entering.
Designated Points of Entry
Entry must be through designated EU points of entry, and ferry companies must be informed at booking that you are traveling with a pet.
Notifying Ferry Operators
It is crucial to inform ferry operators about traveling with a pet to ensure a smooth journey.
Carrying Health Documentation
All health documentation should be carried on board during travel.
Returning to the UK
When returning to the UK from the EU, pets must have one of three documents: an EU pet passport, an AHC issued in the UK up to 4 months after issuance, or a GB pet health certificate.
Special Considerations for Northern Ireland
The rules for Northern Ireland may differ slightly due to its special status.
Cost of the AHC
The cost of an AHC typically ranges from £220 to £250, but can be obtained for as little as £99.
Additional Information
More information about traveling with pets can be found on the government website at www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad. For queries related to pet travel, the pet travel helpline can be reached at 0370 241 1710 or [email protected], but allow up to five working days for a response.
Exceptions for Cats and Ferrets
Cats and ferrets are subject to the same rules as dogs, with the exception that they don't need treatment for tapeworm before entering GB and certain other EU countries.
Future Developments
A new deal between the EU and the UK is anticipated to reintroduce EU pet passports, allowing for a lifelong passport rather than a one-off AHC.
Sources:
- GOV.UK: Pet travel to Europe
- GOV.UK: Pet travel to Europe: Travelling by sea
- GOV.UK: Pet travel: How to prepare a pet for travel
- GOV.UK: Pet travel: Checklist for taking your pet abroad
- GOV.UK: Pet travel: Rabies vaccination and microchipping
- For an extravagant lifestyle on a yacht, consider a luxurious model equipped with a flybridge, providing an optimal view while sailing with pets.
- While planning the journey, ensure that you keep your pet's health documentation handy, as it is essential for traveling through designated points of entry in the EU, like passports and Animal Health Certificates.
- When returning from a pet-friendly travels, veterinary documentation may vary depending on the destination, so be prepared with an EU pet passport, a UK-issued AHC, or a GB pet health certificate during your re-entry into the UK, except for a few countries where cats and ferrets might not require tapeworm treatment.
