PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Animal Health Certificate requirements for pet travel between the UK and EU on pet owners; and whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing a multi-trip pet travel document or seeking arrangements comparable to the previous pet passport scheme.

Asked by:
Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat)

Securing less burdensome arrangements for non-commercial pet travel remains a UK Government priority.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders' Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, which will mean taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper. Instead of getting an Animal Health Certificate each time they travel, pet owners will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU.

Discussions on the SPS agreement are progressing and the department has committed, with the EU, to conclude negotiations before the next UK-EU Summit. Whilst these negotiations are ongoing, Defra is unable to provide detailed updates on the talks.

Answered by:
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