Taking your dog to Europe: date planner

What changed in April 2026

Since 22 April 2026, people who live in England, Scotland or Wales cannot use a pet passport to take a dog into the EU. That includes passports issued by an EU country. Every trip needs a new Animal Health Certificate instead.

The good news came with it. A certificate now covers onward travel within the EU and your return to Great Britain for up to six months, where it used to be four. For most holidays, one vet appointment before you go covers the whole trip.

The three things that catch people out

• The first rabies jab needs 21 days. Your dog cannot travel until 21 full days after it, and the microchip has to go in first or at the same appointment. If your dog has never been vaccinated against rabies, start at least a month ahead.
• Not every vet can issue the certificate. It has to be an Official Veterinarian. Ask when you book, and book early before school holidays.
• Tapeworm treatment on the way home. Coming back into Great Britain, a vet must treat your dog between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive, unless you are coming straight from Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway. On a short trip your own vet can often do it before you leave. On a longer one you need a vet abroad, and ports get busy in summer.

What this planner does not cover

It is for dogs travelling with their owner, or within five days of them, for holidays and visits. It does not cover selling or rehoming a dog abroad, more than five pets, travel to countries outside the EU, or trips from Northern Ireland, which has different rules. Going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland needs a free pet travel document and a microchip, but no rabies jab or tapeworm treatment.

The UK and EU are negotiating a deal that is expected to change pet travel again. Until it takes effect, the rules above apply. We will update this page when it does, but check gov.uk before you book.