Ask Onix
New EU pet travel rules leave UK owners with hefty bills
British pet owners must now secure an Animal Health Certificate for each trip to the EU, replacing the lifelong pet passport scheme and driving up travel costs.
Why the change?
As of April 22, 2026, the EU no longer recognizes pet passports issued in Great Britain. The shift stems from updated EU regulations following the UK's departure from the bloc. Pet owners must now obtain a fresh Animal Health Certificate for every journey, a requirement that has sparked frustration over unexpected expenses and logistical hurdles.
Financial and logistical challenges
Owners report costs ranging from £150 to £500 per trip, depending on the number of pets and veterinary fees. Jane Keles, a 63-year-old from the UK, canceled a planned trip to France after learning her Dachshunds' EU passports were invalid. She estimates the new certificates and rabies vaccinations will add £500 to her travel expenses, prompting her to consider selling her French mobile home.
Mike Walton, a 77-year-old near Manchester, faces similar issues. As a UK resident with an Irish passport, he can no longer use his dogs' EU pet passports for travel to Portugal. Vets have quoted him £300 for two Animal Health Certificates, plus £170 for rabies vaccinations.
Confusion and enforcement concerns
Many owners said they only learned of the rule change days before its implementation. Some, like Walton, struggled to find vets willing to issue the certificates, with some clinics restricting services to existing clients. Others questioned whether border officials would enforce the new rules, with one owner telling the BBC they planned to attempt travel via the Eurotunnel despite the changes.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) urged owners to check GOV.UK for guidance but acknowledged the transition could cause delays. A spokesperson said: "Holidays with pets are still possible, but owners should prepare early to avoid complications."
Impact on assistance animals
Guide Dogs for the Blind warned the new rules could disrupt travel for assistance dog owners. The charity said the added cost and complexity of obtaining certificates for each journey may prevent some from working, attending events, or traveling independently.
"The cost and complexity of obtaining an Animal Health Certificate for every journey has prevented many guide dog owners from being able to work, attend important events, and travel independently."
Guide Dogs for the Blind
What's next?
Defra's guidance states that only EU residents may now use pet passports, and those issued in Great Britain before April 22 are no longer valid. Owners planning EU travel must consult their vet at least 10 days before departure to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
