UK asks to rejoin EU pet passport scheme

British pet owners who want to take their animals on holiday, or to second homes abroad, will be hoping that the Government's request to rejoin the EU’s pet passport scheme will happen as part of the Prime Minister's Brexit reset talks.

Before Brexit in January 2020, pets travelling across Europe from Britain was common via the pet passport scheme, with an estimated 250,000 people taking much-loved animals overseas.

However, current laws mean dog, cat and ferret owners need to have their animal vaccinated against rabies 21 days before travel, and an animal health certificate (AHC) valid no more than 10 days before making the journey to the EU or Northern Ireland.

Alongside the administration, there's also a hefty fee of around £200.

However, as part of Keir Starmer's Brexit 'reset', the UK will seek to once again give pets an easier passage abroad.

Sir Keir is due to host the major EU summit in London on Monday where he hopes to unveil a new Brexit deal that brings Britain closer to the EU.

The UK must negotiate an agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations to be allowed back into the pet passport scheme - although ongoing discussions have been plagued by French demands for access to UK fishing waters.

The 'reset' has been dubbed the 'surrender summit' by some critics, with fears Sir Keir will look to unpick the referendum.

If EU pet passports are once again introduced, animal owners will likely breathe a sigh of relief; the passports last for the animal's entire lifetime, provided they're up to date with rabies vaccinations.

Since Brexit, UK pubs, hotels and holiday lets have become increasingly pet friendly to ensure those who want to staycation with their pets are welcome.

However, there's still one place where four-legged friends can't go - at least during the summer months.

Hundreds of UK beaches have brought in dog bans that were rolled out on May 1 and are set to last until the end of September.

Some beaches have banned dogs completely, while others are only allowing them during certain hours or if they're kept on leads.

Additionally, certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm.

The rules vary depending on the area, but anyone caught breaking them could face a £100 fine on the spot - and up to £1,000 if it goes to court.

The seasonal restrictions are designed to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer months, with locals using a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to enforce the rules.

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Chris Maxted, who runs a dog gate firm called Dog-G8, explained: 'Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value.

'Dog fouling and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming.

'Public spaces protection orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling.

'These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing.'

Most beaches allow dogs between October and April, he added - but enforce the orders in the summer months.

Maxted continued: 'It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly.

'Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.'

Despite the strict ban coming into force, there is still an abundance of coastal areas to explore where dogs are welcome all year round.

Devon, for example, has a whopping 79 dog-friendly beaches, so even with the bans in place, there's still plenty of coastline to enjoy with your pooch across the UK.

Guide dogs, on the other hand, are allowed on all beaches - but only if they're working, wearing a harness, and on a lead.

The summer dog ban was first brought in by Weymouth in 2019, prompting dozens of beaches to follow suit in subsequent years, especially as tourist numbers rise over the warmer months.

Most local council websites have up-to-date info on which beaches are dog-friendly and when.

Maxted added: 'To find out which beaches are open all year round and dog-friendly, it's best to check your local council website.

'Most councils provide up-to-date information on beach regulations, including any seasonal restrictions or rules regarding pets, so you can plan your visit accordingly.'