The short version
Since Brexit, Great Britain is treated as a non-EU country for pet travel. EU pet passports issued to GB-resident owners are no longer valid for entry into Belgium or the rest of the EU — instead, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip (UK Government, Expatica).
What your pet needs before travel
- Microchip — implanted before the rabies vaccination is given, or the vaccination doesn't count for travel purposes.
- Rabies vaccination — must be up to date; if it's your pet's first rabies jab, there's a mandatory 21-day wait after vaccination before travel.
- Tapeworm treatment — required for dogs (not cats or ferrets) before entering Belgium, administered by a vet within a set window before arrival.
- Animal Health Certificate — issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before you travel; unlike the old pet passport, it's single-trip and needs renewing for every crossing (gov.uk).
Timing matters more than it used to
Because the AHC is only valid for a fixed window, you can't get it sorted weeks in advance the way you could with an old-style pet passport. Book your vet appointment for the certificate close to your actual travel date, and build the 21-day wait into your planning if your pet needs its first rabies vaccination rather than a booster.
Entry point rules
You must bring your pet into the EU through a designated travellers' point of entry, and the owner (or someone carrying written authorisation) must travel with the animal. Private vehicles are limited to five pets unless you're attending a competition or event with the right paperwork (European Commission).
Practical planning order
| Step | When to do it |
|---|---|
| Microchip (if not already done) | Any time before the rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination (first time) | At least 21 days before travel |
| Tapeworm treatment (dogs) | Within the vet-specified window before travel |
| Animal Health Certificate | Within 10 days of travel |
What this means for your move
Pet logistics are one of the easiest things to underestimate when planning a UK-to-Belgium move — leave slack in your schedule for the vet appointments rather than assuming you can sort it all out the week you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use my UK pet passport to bring my dog to Belgium?
No. EU pet passports issued to owners resident in Great Britain stopped being valid for EU entry after Brexit. You need an Animal Health Certificate from your vet for each trip instead.
How far in advance do I need to plan my pet's move?
At least 3-4 weeks if your pet needs its first rabies vaccination, because of the mandatory 21-day wait afterwards. If vaccinations are already up to date, the main constraint is booking the Animal Health Certificate within 10 days of travel.
Does my cat need the same tapeworm treatment as my dog?
No — the mandatory tapeworm treatment before entry applies to dogs only, not cats or ferrets. Cats still need the microchip, rabies vaccination and Animal Health Certificate.
Not sure how this applies to your move?
Most people start with a quick Zoom or WhatsApp call to talk through their specific situation and timeline — no need to have it all figured out first.
Sources: UK Government, gov.uk — Taking your pet abroad, European Commission, Expatica