FERMANAGH dog owners are being urged to contact their vets right now if they want to take their pets to the beaches of Donegal or other popular dog walking spots across the border after Brexit kicks in next March.
As reported in the Herald after the referendum two years ago, taking your furry friend across the border for a splash at the beach could become problematic post-Brexit due to EU animal crossing regulations.
It has now emerged pets will need their jabs four months in advance of travelling across the border after the UK leaves the EU.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) recently issued the following advice to pet owners intending to travel to any country in the EU after Brexit, which includes the South.
“Owners will still be able to travel to the EU with their pet after Brexit,” said a spokesman. “However, in the event of a no-deal scenario, they may need to take some additional steps to be able to travel with their pet to the EU as the UK will become an unlisted third country. Pet owners will be required to meet additional health requirements as set out by the EU.
“Therefore, in line with advice from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in London, DAERA recommends that pet owners planning to travel after 29 March 2019, should seek advice from their vet at least four months in advance to ensure their pets meet the necessary EU health requirements for travel.”
The spokesman explained EU rules state pets must be up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations, and will need a blood test to show their pet has high enough levels of rabies antibodies.
This test needs to be done 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and a minimum of three months before the intended travel.
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