A commuter with a dog waits to catch a bus during the morning rush hour in London on May 11, 2020. (TOLGA AKMEN / AFP)

LONDON -British pets such as dogs, cats or ferrets will lose their current European Union (EU) passports after the United Kingdom leaves the EU’s orbit on Dec 31 and will have to be microchipped, vaccinated and have a special animal health certificate to travel.

Britain was granted Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme meaning that those with pets and assistance dogs will need to jump through more hoops to travel to the EU.

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Pet dogs, cats or ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, treated for tapewom and have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to travel to the EU, the British government said

“We have been granted ‘Part 2’ listed third country status by the EU which will ensure that traveling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards,” Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said.

Pet dogs, cats or ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, treated for tapewom and have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to travel to the EU, the government said. The rules will also apply to pets traveling to Northern Ireland from Britain.

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There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Britain from either the EU or Northern Ireland.

Britain had been seeking Part 1 listed status.