Pet Passports Are (Finally) Coming Back! Here’s Everything We Know

For the last few years, taking your cat abroad has felt like organising a full-blown cross-country mission. Vet visits. Paperwork. Last-minute panics. All just to bring your floof on holiday.

But finally (finally!) that’s about to change.

Pet passports are making a comeback!

Wait, what even is a pet passport?

If you're new here, pre-Brexit pet travel was simple. Your cat got microchipped, had a rabies jab, and that was it: they had a little blue book that let them travel with you across Europe, no fuss.

But since 2021, we’ve had to drag them to the vet for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) before every single trip. That means more money (we’re talking £100–£150 a pop), more faff and more stress. 

So what’s changing?

Thanks to a shiny new UK–EU agreement, pet passports are coming back. No more repeat vet visits. No more expensive one-time-use certificates. No more standing at border control waving around a wad of paper like you’re trying to get your cat into Coachella.

Just a reusable, valid pet passport. Like the good old days.

What does this mean for you (and your cat)?

🐾 More freedom. Once you've got a passport, you're good to go. Spain, France, Italy… the world (well, Europe) is your oyster.

💸 Less cost. Vet fees for every trip? Cancelled.

😺 Happier cats. Because no one wants to be poked and prodded every time you fancy a weekend in Bruges.

When’s it happening?

The deal's done, but we’re still waiting on the official rollout. So hold tight. Keep an eye on DEFRA updates or ask your vet what’s what before you book that ferry.

In the meantime, make sure your cat’s microchipped and up to date on their vaccinations, especially for rabies.

Bon voyage, kitties!