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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to negotiate, under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the removal of the bureaucratic barriers and costs facing the owners of guide dogs and other assistance dogs entering the EU, including the expense of animal health certificates and other measures imposed following the UK's departure from the EU.

The UK has been formally 'listed' as a 'Part 2' third country for the purposes of the EU pet travel scheme, which means that new rules apply to pet movements from Great Britain to the EU and to Northern Ireland. The pet health and documentary requirements for such pet travel are set out under the EU Pet Travel Regulations.

Defra recognises the impact that these changes are having on pet owners and assistance dog users. We are continuing to seek agreement from the European Commission on awarding Great Britain 'Part 1' listed status and recognition of the UK's tapeworm-free status, and we see no valid animal health reason for these not to be granted.

We have one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe to protect our biosecurity and we are currently planning for further engagement with the EU to progress both of these issues. Achieving these would alleviate a number of pet travel rules for all travellers, including the need for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). The costs of completing and issuing an AHC are commercial decisions, set by individual veterinary practices.

We are proactively engaging with the assistance dog community and relevant stakeholders on the impacts on dog movements from Great Britain to the EU. We will continue to work closely with assistance dog organisations to share the latest advice and guidance (in accessible formats) with their members on pet travel requirements.