Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to take steps to (a) reduce the cost and (b) simplify processes for applying to take a dog on holiday to an EU country.

The pet health and documentary requirements for pet travel to the EU are set out under the EU Pet Travel Regulations. The UK is listed as a ‘Part 2’ third country under those regulations. We are continuing to seek agreement from the European Commission on awarding GB ‘Part 1’ listed status and recognition of the UK’s tapeworm-free status.

Achieving these would alleviate a number of pet travel rules for all travellers, including the need for an Animal Health Certificate for each trip to the EU. We see no valid animal health reason for these not to be granted.

The costs of completing and issuing an Animal Health Certificate are commercial decisions, set by individual veterinary practices.