GSPCA Highlights Important Changes to Pet Travel Rules for EU Journeys
The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) is reminding pet owners of important changes to pet travel rules to the European Union, following an announcement today by the States Veterinary Department.
From today, Tuesday 22 April 2026, rules have been tightened in line with the UK. Guernsey‑resident pet owners can no longer rely on an EU pet passport for travel from Guernsey to the EU unless their primary residence is within the EU.
Anyone travelling from Guernsey to the EU with dogs, cats or ferrets will now need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from their veterinary practice for each trip.
While some Guernsey pet owners may still hold EU‑issued pet passports for animals originally acquired in the EU, these documents are not normally valid for travel from Guernsey unless the owner’s main residence is in the EU and the passport has been issued and maintained by an EU veterinarian.
Pet owners planning to travel are strongly advised to contact their veterinary surgery well in advance to ensure they have the correct paperwork.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
“These changes are important for all pet owners to be aware of. Anyone travelling to Europe with their pet must now speak to their vet in good time to arrange an Animal Health Certificate. Turning up at the airport without the correct paperwork can unfortunately lead to travel being delayed or refused, which is stressful for both owners and animals.”
He added:
“The GSPCA carries out pet checks at Guernsey Airport and assists Customs and the States Veterinary Department when called upon, including in cases where animals do not have the correct documentation or where illegal importation is suspected. Our role is always to help safeguard animal welfare while supporting the authorities.”
Mr Byrne also reassured owners that the changes do not affect pets arriving into Guernsey:
“At present, there are no issues for incoming pets under the current rules. The key change is for those travelling from Guernsey to the EU, where an Animal Health Certificate will now usually be required for each journey.”
David Chamberlain, States Veterinary Officer, said yesterday: “In line with the UK, from 22 April 2026, rules are being tightened for people travelling to the European Union (EU) with their pets. Pet owners should be aware that EU pet passports held by individuals whose primary residence is in Guernsey should no longer be relied upon for travel from Guernsey to the EU. Guernsey-resident owners travelling with dogs, cats or ferrets to the EU will generally need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from their veterinarian for each trip. If your main residence is in the EU, you may use or continue to use a pet passport issued by an EU Member State to travel between the EU and Guernsey. An EU-issued pet passport normally records the owner’s residential address within the EU, and only EU veterinarians are permitted to make entries in these passports. Some Guernsey pet owners whose animals were acquired in the EU may still hold EU pet passports. However, these documents are not normally valid for travel from Guernsey to the EU unless the owner’s primary residence is within the EU.”
Anyone with queries is encouraged to contact their veterinary practice in the first instance. Further advice is also available from the States Veterinary Office on 01481 221161 or by emailing [email protected]
The GSPCA urges all pet owners to check their travel requirements carefully to ensure safe, legal and stress‑free journeys for their animals.
#GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal Update
The GSPCA Wildlife Hospital, part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, continues to progress impressively. The west wing roof trusses are now complete, giving a striking preview of the future facility, and the east wing roof trusses are scheduled to begin very soon.
With the project now at its halfway point, the GSPCA is encouraging supporters to join the appeal by:
Donating to the Build Fund
Sponsoring a room, kennel, aviary, or specialised unit
Supporting sustainability upgrades, including planned solar panel installations
Taking part in events or community fundraising
Leaving a gift or message of support via giving.gg
Every contribution supports the future of wildlife rescue in Guernsey for generations to come.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 29th April 2026 Ref – Cat29/04
- Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 3rd May 2026
- Hedgehog Awareness Week 3rd – 9th May 2026
- Liberation Day Ball at The Duke with Sidneys Sponsored Events
- Charities Seafront Sunday 17th May 2026
- GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
- Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
- Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
- Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 21st June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Viaer Marchi Monday 6th July 2026
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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