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Written question asked by Luke Evans (Conservative) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Pets: Export Health Certificates

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 May 2026 to Question 286 on Pets: EU Countries, if she will have discussions with Improve International to consider opportunities to increase the number of official veterinarians who are able to issue Animal Health Certificates.

Answer

There are currently no plans to hold any discussions with Improve International on the number of Official Veterinarians who can issue Animal Health Certificates.

Defra is aware of the numerous challenges facing the veterinary sector, including recruitment and retention of qualified veterinary surgeons. Defra officials are working with the sector to increase capacity, for example through reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which will enable more activities to be delegated to other members of the veterinary team. This will give veterinary surgeons more time to undertake other activities including, if they wish, Official Veterinarian duties.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5405
Session
2026-27
Related items
Animal Health Certificates
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Pets Veterinary services Export health certificates
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk