The EU Pet Passport Explained: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What Changed After Brexit
The EU pet passport was introduced in 2004 to create a standardised, lifetime travel document for dogs, cats, and ferrets moving between European Union member states. Before 2021, it was used by UK pet owners for European travel. Since Brexit, that has changed – and the confusion persists.
What the EU Pet Passport Contains
An EU pet passport is a small blue booklet issued by a licensed vet in an EU member state. It contains:
- Owner’s details
- Animal description and photograph
- Microchip number and implantation date
- Vaccination records (rabies and other vaccines)
- Parasite treatment records
- Vet’s certification of health status
- Space for ongoing treatment records
The passport stays with the animal for its lifetime and is updated by vets at each vaccination.
Who Uses an EU Pet Passport
EU pet passports are valid for:
- Travel between EU member states (and EEA countries that have adopted the scheme: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
- Re-entry into the EU from qualifying third countries for resident pets (with additional documentation)
The Brexit Change
Before 1 January 2021, EU pet passports were issued in the UK by UK vets. UK pets had EU pet passports for European travel.
After Brexit, UK-issued EU passports are no longer valid. The UK left the EU pet passport system. UK border controls do not recognise EU pet passports for animals entering the UK without additional documentation. EU border controls do not recognise UK-issued EU pet passports for animals entering from the UK.
What UK owners need now: An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to an EU country, issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
Getting an EU Pet Passport if You Move to the EU
If you have relocated to an EU member state with your pet, a licensed vet in your new country can issue an EU pet passport for the animal once it is resident there. This new passport, issued by an EU vet, is valid for travel within the EU.
It is not valid for travel into the UK, which has its own documentation requirements.
Comparison Table
| Situation | Document Needed |
|---|---|
| UK pet travelling to EU | AHC (per journey) |
| EU pet travelling within EU | EU pet passport |
| EU pet entering UK | UK APHA health certificate (post-Brexit) |
| Non-EU pet entering EU | EU-specific health certificate endorsed by origin government |
Sources: European Commission pet travel regulations (EU Regulation 576/2013); UK APHA Brexit pet travel guidance. Data current as of June 2026.