Changes in the rules for transporting pets have sparked a wave of dissatisfaction among pet owners.
New requirements have not only complicated the travel process itself but have also significantly increased the financial burden on citizens planning trips with their pets.
Now, for each trip abroad, a separate animal health certificate is required. This means that even for regular travelers, owners must go through the process anew each time, including visits to veterinarians and paperwork.
The new requirements have also increased the cost of travel, as certificates are issued separately for each trip. As a result, traveling with pets has become less accessible, especially for those who cross borders frequently.
Additional frustration has been caused by the lack of adequate information about the changes that have come into effect. Some owners claim they only learned about the new rules at the last moment, which has put pre-paid trips and vacations at risk. The lack of timely communication from official bodies has been one of the key points of criticism.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) emphasized that before traveling, owners are obliged to independently check the current requirements on the government portal and take into account the rules of the destination country.
According to updated guidelines, EU pet passports can now only be issued to individuals permanently residing within the European Union. Moreover, previously issued documents have also lost their validity, effectively rendering them unusable for travel.
Particular attention is drawn to the consequences for owners of guide dogs. Representatives of organizations working with such animals stated that the new rules significantly restrict the mobility of people with visual impairments. The increase in costs and the complexity of procedures, in their view, create additional barriers to participation in public life, travel, and the performance of everyday tasks.
Source: BBC
