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New EU pet travel rules come into effect
Anyone planning to travel with their pet is being urged to check guidance on GOV.UK

EU pet passports may no longer be valid for travel from GB to the EU. 

New EU rules have come into effect today (22 April) covering how British residents can travel to the EU with their pets.

Under the new rules, British residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel with dogs, cats or ferrets into the EU. Instead, they should obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet, which is only valid for a single journey.

A new AHC will be required for each trip from GB to the EU. However, the certificate can be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for re‑entering Great Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations remain valid.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said: “From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible. 
 
“Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination. 
 
"To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”

Under the new rules, additional paperwork will be required if someone other than the owner is travelling with the pet. The pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the person accompanying the pet must have written permission. 

Travellers will also only be allowed to have a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle. Exceptions will apply for pets travelling to competitions, events or training. 

Image (C) Reshetnikov_art/Shutterstock.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.