BSAVA issues update in light of UK’s withdrawal from the EU
Now that the UK has left the European Union, the BSAVA is warning vets in practice to expect an increase in the number of enquiries relating to pet travel from their clients.
The UK left the European Union on 31st January and will remain in a transition period until 31st December 2020. In a news release, the BSAVA writes:
“During the transition period, Defra is advising pet owners that if they are travelling with their pet to the EU up until the end of December 2020, they can continue to use their current UK-issued Pet Passport. If they don’t have an EU Pet Passport, they are being advised to speak to their vet.”
From 1 January 2021, the UK will become a third country and will need to apply to the European Commission to be listed. Under the EU Pet Travel Scheme there are three categories of third country:
• unlisted
• part 1 listed
• part 2 listed.
Pet travel requirements will change depending on what category the UK becomes. Full advice for each category can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
In its latest guidance, Defra states that owners wishing to travel from the UK to the EU from the 1 January 2021 should contact their vet at least four months before travelling.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
