From 1 January, current pet passports are no longer valid for travel into the EU with drivers instead required to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). However, the new AHC is only valid for a single trip compared to traditional pet passports, which could be used for several journeys over a period of months.
“The Government already treats the British motorist as a cash cow on UK roads.
“Now, thanks to the AHC it seems this is being extended on travels abroad too.”
An Animal Health Certificate has to be issued by an official veterinarian who has been authored by the Government.
The certificate can only be issued 10 days prior to travel. Drivers must also leave the country within 10 days of receiving the pass.
“As a sufferer of chronic air sickness, I only ever holiday abroad by car. As a result, I have been driving to the South of France, several times a year, with various family pets, for the best part of 30 years.
“Consequently, I am very familiar with the pre-Brexit system of pet passports.
“It is a system which has always worked seamlessly and clearly requires no alteration and amendment.
“All the information needed as a condition of entry is contained in the pet passport including the date of the last rabies vaccination.
“I therefore cannot understand the purpose of the new scheme.
“As well as the cost, they could also increase demand for vet appointments since vets will be absorbed by this new paperwork – very distressing if you have a sick animal in need of medical care.”
