British holidaymakers travelling to Europe with dogs, cats and ferrets could regain access to EU pet passports under an agreement expected to be announced at the upcoming EU-UK summit in Brussels.
The proposed arrangement forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two sides under the relationship reset initiated by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and continued by current Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The summit is scheduled to take place on November 20, when both sides are expected to announce a package of measures covering trade, energy and travel.
Pet Passports Included in Proposed Food and Animal Standards Agreement
The negotiations include a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement covering food and animal products, alongside arrangements for UK access to the EU electricity market and the introduction of a youth mobility scheme.
The proposed SPS agreement is expected to remove certain checks on food and animal products moving between the UK and EU.
It would also allow British pet owners to use EU pet passports again when travelling with their animals.
In return, the UK would be required to follow EU standards covering animal health and food safety. It would also have to ensure that imports arriving from countries outside the EU meet the bloc’s relevant requirements.
Brexit Changes Forced British Pet Owners to Obtain Travel Certificates
Before Brexit, authorised veterinarians could issue EU pet passports allowing dogs, cats and ferrets to make multiple journeys within the bloc.
However, after the UK left the European Union, Great Britain was classified as a third country, ending the arrangement for its residents.
British travellers heading from England, Scotland and Wales to EU countries consequently had to obtain an Animal Health Certificate for each trip.
Northern Ireland has remained within the EU pet travel scheme.
Further restrictions took effect on April 22, 2026, when updated EU pet travel rules excluded residents of England, Scotland and Wales from using the passport scheme.
UK Government Confirms Plans for Multi-Use Pet Passports
A UK government statement on preparations for the proposed SPS agreement confirmed that the arrangement would allow British pet owners to obtain passports valid for multiple journeys to EU countries.
The statement said: “Pet owners will be able to get a multi-use pet passport valid for EU travel, rather than obtaining a new animal health certificate for each trip.”
The proposed change would remove the need for owners to arrange a new Animal Health Certificate every time they travel with their dogs, cats or ferrets.
New Pet Travel Arrangements Expected From Mid-2027
The agreement is expected to take effect around the middle of 2027, subject to its approval.
Until the new arrangements become operational, owners travelling from Great Britain to EU countries must continue obtaining an Animal Health Certificate for each journey with their pets.
The UK government confirmed that the existing requirements would remain in place during the transition period.
EU Publishes Guidance for Travelling With Pets From Non-EU Countries
The European Commission provides guidance explaining the requirements for bringing dogs, cats and ferrets into the EU from countries outside the bloc.
The proposed agreement could change the requirements for eligible British travellers once it comes into force, restoring access to multi-use pet passports for journeys between Great Britain and EU member states.
