PET owners who want to take their animals away with them on holiday could find it difficult in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to a Swindon vets.

A no-deal Brexit could affect the current Pet Passports Scheme for UK pet owners.

The existing process allows people to take their animals to an official vet three weeks before a trip to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

But the process will take at least four months with a no-deal Brexit and will require more paperwork.

Rachel Gowshall, operations co-ordinator at Eastcott Veterinary Clinic, said she has so far found it easy to take her dog on holiday - but the new system would force her to leave her pet at home in the future.

She said: “If this is to happen then it is a complete step backwards and it will become a much more laborious process.

“This is a time where we have seen an increasing amount of people taking their pets abroad, and part of this is due to how easy it is to sort out.

“Now this will become an uncertainty.

“I don’t want to cause people to panic but they need to know what might be in store if they are planning to go on holiday and the repercussions a no-deal Brexit has.

“The standard pet passport will not work.”

Rachel added: “I’m hoping that this won’t happen but it is always best to be cautious and spread the word just in case it does all go horribly wrong.”

The changes to the regulations will mean that:

n You must get your dog, cat or ferret microchipped and vaccinated.

n Pets must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

n Vets must send the blood sample to an EU-approved blood testing laboratory to check for immunity.

n You must wait three months from the date the successful blood sample was taken before you travel.

Also, exactly 10 days before travelling owners must take their pet to an official veterinarian to obtain a health certificate.