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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 May 2026 to Question 286 on Pets: EU Countries, if she will have discussions with Improve International to consider opportunities to increase the number of official veterinarians who are able to issue Animal Health Certificates.

There are currently no plans to hold any discussions with Improve International on the number of Official Veterinarians who can issue Animal Health Certificates.

Defra is aware of the numerous challenges facing the veterinary sector, including recruitment and retention of qualified veterinary surgeons. Defra officials are working with the sector to increase capacity, for example through reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which will enable more activities to be delegated to other members of the veterinary team. This will give veterinary surgeons more time to undertake other activities including, if they wish, Official Veterinarian duties.