WHETHER you're crossing borders with your collie or taking a canary to the Canaries - time's running out to get a pet passport.

Owners planning a trip to Europe with their animals are being urged to make sure they have the correct documentation in case of a no-deal Brexit.

Medivet Weymouth - part of a national vet chain - said residents have just 16 weeks to take action if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Medivet Weymouth lead vet and branch partner Emma Milliner said the current EU pet passport scheme will no longer be valid if the UK leaves the EU on October 31.

"The reason we are urging pet owners to check in with us now is that we may need up to four months to meet the additional travel requirements, should the UK become an unlisted country", she said.

Additional travel requirements may include:

• Checking the pet’s microchip number and location

• Having a rabies vaccination and blood test 30 days later

• Waiting three calendar months after the blood test before travel

• Getting an animal health certificate ten days prior to travel

Holly Gogan, a newly qualified veterinarian at the branch, added: “We are aware from talking to clients that there is a great deal of confusion around pet travel documentation if we leave the EU.

"Owners really need to act now to ensure the proper documentation and protection is in place.”

MediVet Weymouth said pet owners without a regular vet can contact them for advice on 01305 555312.